Collaboration at Dalby South State School

Bridging the Gap: A School-Industry Collaboration at Dalby South State School's Finch Engineering Project

The Finch Engineering Project is now in full swing, with students diligently following the School-Industry Lead Project Sheet that Renitta Flynn, a school teacher at Dalby South State School designed. The Project Sheet was inspired by her recent attendance at the Western Downs Manufacturing Conference (WDRC) Manufacturing Conference, which she had the opportunity to share with Lachlan during his visit to Dalby South SS.  

The primary focus at the moment is the 3D additive manufacturing of chaser bin bracket prototypes, a task assigned to the students as part of this school-industry project. We're delighted to have 8 Year 4 students working on this project, and their enthusiasm and commitment have exceeded our expectations. 

To ensure that this school-industry project aligns seamlessly with the Version 9 Curriculum Technologies Core Concepts and fosters the development of critical and creative thinking general capabilities, Renitta has incorporated various elements into the project.  She has also introduced the students to using vernier calipers, a skill typically reserved for senior school programs. As a result, they have created prototypes that are not only innovative but also impressive.

The school is working towards a tentative date of Wednesday, 22 November for the Fince Engineering site visit and prototype testing. Levi Jenkins and Erin Johnston will be visiting the school, joining the students for the testing as well as the student's’ presentations of their Research and Design Folios to Finch Engineering. Helen Bates from the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water (RDMW) has kindly offered to support the Dalby South SS with bus travel for this event.

We’re excited to see the powerful synergy between Queensland’s schools and the industry, as it not only enhances the educational experience for our students but also fosters innovation, practical learning, and a promising future for all involved.