DATTA Qld Newsletter
September 2026
Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the end of Term 3, it’s hard to believe just how much has already been packed into 2026! From another fantastic DATTA Qld Conference and celebrating our outstanding Teacher of the Year and Student Subject Award recipients, to receiving more than 100 nominations for this year’s Student Awards, it has been wonderful to see the talent, enthusiasm and commitment within our Design and Technologies community.
There is still plenty to look forward to in Term 4, including Design and Technology Week in Week 2 and our Week 5 Professional Development event. Keep an eye out for more information about these opportunities and ways to get involved.
Before then, however, there is a well-earned September holiday break on the horizon. Design and Technologies teachers put an incredible amount of time, energy and creativity into their classrooms, workshops and students every day. We hope the upcoming break provides an opportunity to switch off, recharge and enjoy some much-deserved downtime before the final term of the year.
From everyone at DATTA Qld, thank you for everything you continue to do to support and inspire the next generation of designers, makers, problem-solvers and innovators. Enjoy the break!
With best wishes,
Carol-Anne Durkin
President – Design And Technology Teachers’ Association QLD
DATTA Qld Student Awards
We have had a large number of entries in the 2026 DATTA Qld Student Subject Awards! More than 100 entries from schools across Queensland.
We are in the process of sorting through these entries and placing them into categories now.
In the coming weeks, DATTA Qld members will receive links for voting for the winners in each category.
Please share these voting links with students, parents and your wider school communities so that our young people can be recognised far and wide for their efforts in all of our subject areas
Andacod – Learning Resources & Information Website
Deign and Technologies Education Resources
Andacod is a Design and Technologies Resources website compiled by Andrew Nichols, a Design Technology Teacher from Brisbane.
This website is packed to the brim with learning resources, reviews, links to industry, links to text books, links to suppliers, links to podcasts – everything you could need to access.
Membership to the Andacod website is free and you will then be able to contribute to the Design Technology community by providing feedback and reviews on resources, adding links to suppliers and much more!
Join today and become part of this Community of Practice!
From the Andacod Website:
We bring together the tools, learning resources, design literature and industry connections that teachers, students, lecturers and professionals need to communicate the story of design and technologies. Explore our curated pages including the bookshelf, practical skills activities, tool and equipment guides, the design process and a localised supplier directory – all designed to support the education of real‑world Design and Technologies students and professionals.
Join our community to access resources, contribute your expertise, and help shape the future of Design and Technologies education.
Containers for Change
Learning opportunity
Containers for Change have partnered with Precious Plastics in Melbourne to deliver education workshops to schools. This program uses and recycles bottle caps and turns them into injection moulding pellets.
Containers for Change has purchased a limited number of plastic recycling workstations designed for educational use in schools. The equipment allows students to process plastic lids and manufacture simple products, creating authentic learning opportunities linked to Design & Technologies, STEM and sustainability.
We’re looking to place the remaining equipment with schools that have the interest, capability and curriculum alignment to make the most of the opportunity. Participating schools receive the equipment at no cost and take ownership of the equipment following delivery ongoing.
Details about the equipment and program:
Lids to Learning helps students turn plastic lids into new products like pens at school. Delivered with Precious Plastic Melbourne, experts in recycling education, the program provides safe, classroom-ready equipment to teach students about the circular economy in a practical and engaging way.
What participating schools receive:
Participating schools receive a Containers for Change Circular Economy Starter Pack for free to kick off their recycling journey. Container Exchange will pay Precious Plastic Melbourne to supply the school with:
- 1 x Pen Mould
- 1 x Education Kit which includes:
- 1 x Hand crank Benchtop Extruder
- 1 x Benchtop Shredder
- 10 x Safety Gloves
- 1 x Accessory set (allen keys, G clamp, snips)
- Training and support provided by Precious Plastic Melbourne via their online Academy
How it works:
The program supports learning across STEM, Design & Technologies and sustainability priorities, while offering schools a visible and meaningful way to bring recycling to life. Once part of the program, your school will own the equipment and can use it as part of learning or enrichment activities.
Equipment and training:
Precious Plastic Melbourne supplies the equipment and provides training, safety information and technical support directly to your school. Schools are responsible for supervising students and operating the equipment in accordance with their own policies and procedures.
Ownership:
The School owns the Equipment and takes on all risk for it as soon as it is delivered.
The School agrees that by accepting the Equipment it is responsible for using and disposing of it.
Schools who are interested in applying for these packages can email their expressions of interest to Ben Tuni at Containers for Change: ben.tuni@containerexchange.com.au
Design Technology Week
Term 4, week 2
12-18 October 2026.
Design Technology Week is almost here! Schools are encouraged to create activities to celebrate and promote Design and Technologies in their classrooms. Free resources are available on our website to help you get started: Member Resources.
Students can enter the competition independently and winners will receive a 3D printer or iPad (winner’s choice).
Schools can print the poster to display around their school and share their activities with us via email at designtechweek@dattaqld.org.au or tag us on social media.
Make sure to check out the resources and start planning your celebrations!
Become a member to stay up to date.
Bridge Building Podcast
Episode 99: Build Your Own STEM Adventure: Taking Students to NASA
Shaun Lane from Hale School in Perth
Shaun and his colleagues in the Technology department run a bespoke international STEM tour to the United States every two years.
The program has evolved considerably since their first trip in 2017. Rather than purchasing an off-the-shelf educational tour, the team now develops its own itinerary and works with a travel company to manage the logistics.
This year, 32 students and four staff will travel through New York, Washington, Orlando and Titusville, culminating in an immersive program at Kennedy Space Center.
In this conversation, Shaun explains what’s involved in creating the tour, some of the extraordinary experiences they’ve been able to provide students and why other Technology and STEM teachers shouldn’t necessarily assume an international experience like this is beyond the reach of their own school.
And yes – we also talk rockets.
Shaun explains that the current tour involves 32 boys and four staff, with the itinerary built by the school and the travel agent handling much of the logistical side.
Episode 100: Six Years Later: Learning at Full Throttle
Andrew Devoy – Marist College, Ashgrove
Six years ago, in August 2020, Andrew Devoy became the very first guest on this podcast.
A fair bit has happened since then – both in education and in the world – so I thought I’d ask Andrew exactly the same question I asked him six years ago:
What’s happening at Marist College Ashgrove?
As it turns out, quite a lot.
In this episode, Andrew takes us inside a Technology program with a definite motorsport flavour.
We talk go-karts, Formula High School, Certificate II Engineering Pathways, industry partnerships and a six-hour endurance event at Lakeside Park.
But underneath all of that is something much more interesting.
Andrew and his team have created learning experiences where students aren’t simply making something because the teacher told them to. They’re manufacturing real components, working to real standards and becoming part of a team building a car they will eventually take to the track.
It gives the learning a reason.
And I think that’s a pretty fitting conversation for Episode 100.
Week 5 PD
Topic: Interdisciplinary Design
Description: Interdisciplinary design is a collaborative approach that blends knowledge, methods, and tools from multiple fields of expertise to solve complex, real-world problems. We will be teaming up with Authors of the book ‘Interdisciplinary Design Education’, Cara Wrigley and Genevieve Mosely to talk more!
Audience: Teachers, HODs.
What you need to bring: Ideas, examples of teaching and learning sequences and strategies for external exam preparedness.
When: Wednesday 4 November, 4:30pm-6:30pm
Where: Zoom (link provided upon registration)
Cost: Free
Peter Doherty Awards 2026 – Congratulations!
Congratulations to the winners of the 2026 Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education.
The winners were announced by Professor Kerrie Wilson, Queensland’s Chief Scientist on 18 August during National Science Week.
This year’s awards celebrated 19 Senior STEM students, 6 Teachers, a state school, an Education partner and a STEM Support officer whose achievements in STEM reflect the effort and commitment they have invested in their own education and contributing to the education of others, building a foundation for possible future STEM careers.
Winners of the Outstanding Teacher of STEM Award 2026
Melanie Armstrong | Scenic Shores State School |
Gerard Atzeni | Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology |
Jamie Lay | Ferny Grove State High School |
Daniel Nicol | Brisbane South State Secondary College |
Christine Vinaccia | Earnshaw State College |
Sandra Wallace | Chancellor State College |
To view the 2026 winners across all categories, and the opening date for 2027 Peter Doherty Awards nominations, visit the STEM Hub.
Conference information for 2027
2027 will see a year of change and new opportunities for the DATTA Qld Conference!
Our 2026 conference was held at the Kedron Wavel Services Club and was a great success! We loved the new venue and would like to continue in this space in the future. Our regular timeslot in June, is unfortunately going to change just for 2027, as Kedron Wavel Services club is undergoing renovations at the time, so we will be holding the 2027 DATTA Qld State Conference in Term 4. Watch this space for dates and details!
We are also looking at holding a series of smaller, Regional Conferences around the state in 2027. These will have a 1 day structure and will allow teachers from across QLD to attend conferences closer to home, where they may not have been able to travel to Brisbane. We will post further information as venues are locked in and we can confirm speakers and displays for you all!
AITSL Standards Review
What you need to know
The Australian Professional Standards for Teachers (Teacher Standards) were developed over 15 years ago. While the Teacher Standards continue to guide practice across Australia, they have not been formally reviewed since they were first adopted.
- The review is in response to views expressed by teachers, school leaders and the broader profession.
- The review will identify opportunities for improvements of the Teacher Standards and make recommendations to Education Ministers.
- Consultation will be wide ranging and open to anyone who would like to make a submission.
- We will also consult directly with the profession and other key educational stakeholders.
- In the meantime, the Teacher Standards remain unchanged and in use.
What is the purpose of the review?
The review will consider the extent to which the Teacher Standards remain relevant, evidence-informed and aligned with an understanding of effective practice. This includes identifying areas where the Teacher Standards may be strengthened or improved to ensure they remain fit for purpose and providing recommendations on revisions needed.
When is the review?
AITSL will conduct a phased review of both the Teacher Standards and the Principal Standard. The review of the Teacher Standards will take place from May 2026 to February 2027.
The review of the Principal Standard will take place from September 2026 to May 2027.
For further information, view the website:
Job Opportunity: Head of Technologies
Brisbane Grammar School is currently seeking applications for the position of Head of Technologies (formerly Head of Design). This exciting leadership opportunity is suited to an experienced and innovative educator looking to lead and further develop a highly regarded Design and Technologies program within one of Queensland’s leading independent schools.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work with passionate colleagues, engaged students, and outstanding facilities, while shaping the strategic direction of the program and fostering excellence in teaching and learning.
For further information and to apply, visit: https://au.seek.com/job/94255320.
Links, PD’s and Useful Websites
QCAA and Australian Curriculum
QCAA – Professional Development and Events
Keep up to date with professional learning opportunities from QCAA. This page lists upcoming workshops, webinars and professional development for Queensland educators across P–10 and senior secondary curriculum and assessment. It’s worth checking regularly for Technology-related opportunities.
QCAA – Australian Curriculum V9.0 Professional Development
QCAA has collated professional learning resources to support Queensland schools implementing Australian Curriculum Version 9.0. The collection provides access to learning-area resources as well as material addressing general capabilities, cognitive verbs, literacy and numeracy.
QCAA – Design and Technologies V9.0 Professional Development
A particularly useful resource for DATTA Qld members. QCAA provides recorded professional learning and supporting resources to assist teachers with planning and implementing Australian Curriculum V9.0 Design and Technologies. Resources include familiarisation and planning materials for Years 7–10.
QCAA – Digital Technologies V9.0 Professional Development
Teaching Digital Technologies? QCAA provides professional learning resources designed to support implementation of Australian Curriculum V9.0. The collection includes recorded sessions, worksheets and familiarisation and planning resources for P–6 and Years 7–10 teachers.
Australian Curriculum V9.0 – Technologies
Explore the Australian Curriculum V9.0 Technologies learning area, including Design and Technologies and Digital Technologies. This is a valuable reference for curriculum planning, with information about rationale, aims, curriculum structure, core concepts, Technologies contexts and connections with other learning areas.
STEM, Engineering & Student Opportunities
Australian Government – National STEM Education Resources Toolkit
Looking for ideas to strengthen STEM learning at your school? The Australian Government’s National STEM School Education Resources Toolkit provides resources for teachers and school leaders looking to develop high-quality STEM initiatives and school–industry partnerships.
Australian Government – Running a STEM Education Initiative
Thinking about introducing a new STEM project, challenge or industry partnership? This Australian Government resource walks schools through identifying objectives, choosing an initiative, targeting students, planning implementation and evaluating its success.
Engineers Australia
Engineers Australia is a great site to monitor for engineering news, emerging technologies, careers and education initiatives. Articles can provide authentic industry contexts for Engineering, Design and STEM classrooms and help connect classroom learning with contemporary Australian engineering practice.
STEM, Engineering & Student Opportunities
Tech It Up a Notch – Australian Education Technology Podcast
Tech It Up a Notch is an Australian podcast created for teachers interested in educational technology. Hosts Rachael and Clare explore practical digital tools, STEM resources and strategies teachers can apply in their classrooms, with a strong emphasis on practical implementation rather than technology for technology’s sake.
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