Reflecting on their own stories, students spoke about their family elders, their history and character, their struggles and success. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student community came together to create a week full of engaging cultural activities that provided education and inspiration to all students. The week began with a special NAIDOC assembly including the Wulgurukaba Walkabouts.
Robotics and automation are shaping the future of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) with a significant impact on the manufacturing industry.
Guest speaker Adam Packer from local engineering and steel manufacturing company TEi Services spoke about the use of robotics in industry to improve efficiency and safety in areas such as mining and construction. The technology often requires re-training for existing workers, but also provides new opportunities for students looking at ICT or Engineering as a career pathway.
According to workshop hosts Queensland Manufacturing Institute, there is a shortage of skilled manufacturing industry workers with knowledge and accreditation in CAD-based software. By providing workshops such as the ‘Bionic Hand Challenge’, the aim is to educate and inspire students to incorporate programming and computer related learning to broaden their future career options.
Utilising a drag-and-drop coding app based on Javascript, the students programmed a circuit board attached to a DIY cardboard hand via string to activate two micro-motors, and manipulate the finger motion. The crude but clever prototype was used to show how basic and inexpensive materials can be used as an introduction to robotics and coding.
Dr Damien Kee says it’s not necessarily about the materials but the process of construction. “The workshops allow students to gain real-world experience, getting involved, and having fun. Today they used cardboard which means they can get the device built very quickly, and they get immediate feedback. The tools are not difficult, but they get to solve problems and make something cool.”
“Students looking to get into this career pathway involving technology based problem solving should look at subjects such as science, physics, advanced maths/maths methods… this will help when thinking about the deeper, more complex problems.”
When it comes to robotics in industry – although there are some areas of lower-skilled jobs being replaced by robotics; the knowledge gained by these employees will become an asset when creating the robots. Dr Kee refers to TEi Services’ example of robotic arms used in welding. “Welders provide their years of knowledge and expertise when developing the programming and design of welding robots. By up-skilling these welders, they can move into new areas of industry, therefore creating new roles, more employment opportunities, with higher output of products and services.”
Dr Kee points out the ‘niche’ areas of tertiary education that are now available. “There used to be the go-to Engineering degrees – Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical. But now there are so many opportunities – we have the more specialised areas such as Bio-Medical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Minerals Processing Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering… there are really specific pathways to go down to skill people up to do specific tasks. There is definitely more opportunity for students to choose an area that they are really passionate about. In saying this, some employers are not looking just at those with degrees. There is also direct employment from school with options such as workplace training, apprenticeships, TAFE, etc.”
The Cathedral School has been part of the GISP group of schools since the beginning of 2021 allowing us to provide students with these specialised ICT-based workshops. The connection between industry and education is important for the school and future employees, creating new pathways and opportunities, and bringing real-world experience to our students.
The Cathedral School would like to thank the organisations and individuals that made this, and future GISP incursions possible:
Levi Jenkins and the Queensland Manufacturing Institute
Adam Packer and TEi Services
Jasmine McIntosh and Townsville Manufacturing Hub
The Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training
Ben Dallimore – Head of ICT at The Cathedral School
Countless lolly snakes, hundreds of high fives, bountiful braids, litres of sunscreen, numerous ‘Up and Ins’ and ‘Here if you needs’, blood, sweat and even some tears…what a weekend we had!
Eight Cathedral teams competed across the weekend, each playing between eight and ten games. Players, umpires, coaches and supporters are all to be applauded for their efforts and representation of our club….what a wonderful netball community we have!
A big congratulations to Cathedral Lightning (18U) who took out their division as overall Winners and Cathedral Hearts (15U) who finished Runners Up. Also, a special congratulations to Eleanor Saro who won the MVP award for her division.
Thank you to our ten umpires who covered 90+ games: Alana C, Bec B, Bronte B, Louise K, Chelsea C, Milli D, Addison S, Maddie T, Zoe G and Charlotte S.
Thank you coaches for volunteering your time to guide our teams – Alicia, Mikealie, Luke, Kayleigh, Angelina, Maddy, Bryenna, Miliame, Abi and Bec.
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The event was held at the TCNAI courts, Murray Sporting Complex.
Photos by Rebecca Bulloch & Townsville Bulletin
The Cathedral School welcomed past student and Boarder, Curtis Rayment to deliver the Foundation Day address in July 2023. Watch the full speech below.
Day 1 Highlights. 19 July 2023.