Published on June 27, 2022
Hunter Valley Grammar School Year 12 Design and Technology students are working hard towards the completion of the Major Design Project (MDP). This is a significant Major Work that requires a year-long time investment.
Design and Technology student, Georgia King, is making waves with her Major Design Project – Sharksurf, which encompasses a shark repellent surfboard, wetsuit and attachable.
Georgia’s idea was to incorporate shark-repellent technology into commonly used products. Her design uses magnets on the underside of the surfboard and in the rider’s wetsuit and attachable to disrupt the shark’s electrical receptors, deterring them from the rider without harming the shark. Georgia has also considered environmental concerns in the design process to ensure the products are sustainable.
“These products are the first of their kind as they incorporate multiple protection points, thus creating a larger area of protection,” says Georgia. “The technology is invisible and will not interfere with the rider’s performance.”
This is just one of the exciting Major Design Projects that our students are completing under the guidance of TAS teacher Louise Hemsworth.
Like all of the Design students, Georgia’s journey has involved complex scientific and market research and testing to get to this point. From products designed to address inclusivity in educational environments, to sustainable developments targeting a range of needs and also products to fulfil the changing nature of work post COVID; the creativity of HVGS students has definitely shone through this year.
Several HVGS students were also chosen to enter their designs into the Uprising Design Competition, a competition which nurtures the grassroots of innovation by connecting young designers to business and industry. HVGS has five entries that a panel of judges will consider to receive support and funding to help further the development of their design. Alongside this competition, the Idea Spies Forum provides the students with a platform to explore solutions to challenges they may face and make industry connections.
Further congratulations to Georgia, who had her design featured in the Newcastle Herald on Saturday, 25 June 2022 and on Radio station Hit106.9.
EDIT: WE WON!
Third place, for her shark repellent design, went to Georgia King. Equal first place was awarded to Niamh Geraghty and Emily Miles.
