A year of growth and innovation
The Art, Design, and Technology Department at Orana continues to inspire students with its dynamic programs and upgraded facilities. This year, the Art Department moved to a vibrant new location at the Hill Centre, alongside cutting-edge upgrades to the woodwork and metalwork facilities and the final replacement of older sewing machines in Textiles. These developments have significantly enhanced creative opportunities, prioritizing safety while aligning with industry standards in the Design and Technology area.
The relocation of the Art Department to the Hill Centre has introduced refurbished, bright, and airy spaces—an ideal setting for students to immerse themselves in painting, drawing, and printmaking. These well-designed facilities have streamlined artistic pursuits, empowering students to explore their creativity in a supportive and spacious environment. With plans to introduce innovative courses and themes aligned with curriculum outcomes in 2025, the department is poised to integrate a variety of artistic mediums, further enriching the student experience.
In the Woodwork Studio, a new dust extraction system ensures a safer, cleaner environment by reducing airborne dust particles and meeting the highest workplace health and safety standards. This upgrade allows students to fully engage in construction projects within a clean, well-maintained space. From Japanese boxes and handmade wooden steps to coolamons inspired by Indigenous culture, the studio showcases students’ creativity and craftsmanship. Sustainability remains a key focus, with senior students repurposing pallets to craft bee hives, rocking horses, and other innovative pieces, blending technical skills with environmental responsibility.
The metalwork area has also seen significant advancements with the addition of a MIG welder, offering fine-tuning capabilities and the versatility to perform TIG and stick welding. Replacing outdated equipment, this modern tool enables students to work with recycled metals, creating both functional and artistic projects. By repurposing materials, the program emphasises sustainability while fostering innovative design. This year, students completed a diverse range of projects, from sculptures to practical tools, illustrating the boundless possibilities of metal artistry. The new metal bandsaw has advanced safety features, electrical enhancements, and a variable-speed motor that eliminates belt changes, ensures greater precision and efficiency and the Plams cutter and table can cut up to 12mm steel and in the future if required, is CNC compatible. The bandsaw’s ability to cut material at 60 degrees, coupled with the MIG welder’s versatility, represents a significant leap in capability. These upgrades, generously funded by the Parents and Friends Association, have elevated the program’s offerings and are deeply appreciated.
The Textiles Department has undergone a transformation with the addition of five new Husqvarna Opal 650 sewing machines, completing the replacement of older machines. Generously funded by the Parents and Friends Association, this brings the total to 16 new sewing machines, establishing the department as a hub for modern textile equipment. These new machines empower students to develop advanced construction skills while navigating computer systems, bridging traditional techniques with modern technology. With these tools, students are creating intricate and precise designs, merging technical proficiency with artistic expression. The expanded fleet ensures that all students have access to high-quality equipment, fostering a seamless learning experience and preparing them for future challenges in textile design and construction.
With its upgraded facilities and refreshed spaces, the Art, Design, and Technology Department at Orana is setting the stage for the next generation of designers and makers. Whether shaping wood, welding metal, or crafting textiles, students are inspired to push the boundaries of their creativity in a safe and innovative environment
