Our Practical Technologies department equips students with real-world skills through hands-on learning in Hospitality, Design, Fashion, Construction, Engineering, and Furnishing.
JUNIOR
Year 7, 8 and 9 Design Technologies (DAT – Industrial Technology and Design)
Junior Design Technologies students take innovation to the next level by designing and building a wide range of projects including timber trains, 3D-designed and printed puzzles, CO₂ drag cars and cigar box guitars.
These projects allow students to combine creativity with engineering concepts, sparking strong interest in design, manufacturing and trade pathways. Students enjoy a highly hands-on curriculum delivered in the workshop, using industry-relevant equipment such as laser cutters, woodworking machinery and 3D printers.
Year 7, 8 and 9 Design Technologies (DAT – Hospitality and Fashion)
Hospitality
The Junior Hospitality program actively engages students by teaching essential cooking, food preparation and presentation techniques. Students learn and begin to master knife and culinary skills through preparing burgers, Asian cuisine, potential tuckshop items and exploring food preservation techniques. Their enthusiasm in the kitchen builds a strong foundation for students considering senior Hospitality certificates.
Fashion
In Junior Fashion, students apply their creativity to producing garments that reflect modern trends and sustainable design principles. Projects range from millinery (designing and making their own hats) to designing and producing custom hoodies, demonstrating developing technical skills, creativity and individuality.
Year 9 Digital Technologies (DIG)
The Junior Digital Technologies course enhances students’ understanding of computing, game design, coding and 3D modelling of systems and controls. Students are engaged in hands-on learning that develops digital literacy, problem-solving skills and creativity through practical digital projects.
SENIOR
Year 10–12 Furnishing
In Senior Fashion, students will learn to appreciate the design aesthetics of others while developing their own personal style and aesthetic. They explore historical and contemporary fashion culture; learn to identify, understand and interpret fashion trends; and examine how the needs of different markets are met. Students will use their imagination to create, innovate and express themselves and their ideas. They will design and produce fashion sketches, inspiration boards, marketing campaigns and fashion garments in response to briefs in a range of fashion contexts.
Year 10 Engineering
Year 10 Engineering develops students’ skills and confidence in working with metal and engineering tools. Students learn welding techniques and gain experience using lathes, metal band saws and other industry-standard metal fabrication equipment.
This course acts as a gateway for students intending to enter senior Engineering pathways.
Year 11 and 12 Engineering and Construction
(Delivered through Blue Dog Training and Assessing)
Senior Engineering and Construction certificates delivered through Blue Dog Training and Assessing allow students to apply advanced fabrication and mechanical skills to real-world challenges. Whether building custom metal projects or mastering machining techniques, students develop the technical expertise, problem-solving abilities and workplace skills highly valued by industry employers.
Year 10 Hospitality
This year-long gateway course prepares students for the Certificate II in Hospitality. Students learn to work effectively as part of a team in an industrial kitchen while designing and producing items such as ice cream, charcuterie products, catering for functions and exploring cultural cuisines.
Year 10–12 Fashion
Year 10 Fashion will act as an introduction to Senior Fashion in
Year 11 and 12. Students will interpret briefs to produce fashion
products, using practices, skills and processes to an industry
standard. They will evaluate and adapt production plans,
techniques and procedures with the knowledge that the quality
of products depends on customer expectations of value, which
affects industry processes.
Students will explore the fashion industry by investigating and
analysing the work of various fashion designers. They will design
and create an outfits and accessories suitable for the season and
special occasion.
Year 11 and 12 Hospitality
(Certificate II in Hospitality)
The Clontarf Beach Café is the jewel in the crown of the Hospitality program, delivering a Certificate II in Hospitality through an authentic, student-led café environment.
This hands-on learning experience brings classroom knowledge to life, allowing students to build confidence, teamwork and practical industry skills. Students operate in a real hospitality setting, developing customer service skills, time management, communication and professionalism.
Throughout the two-year course, students participate in competencies such as RSA, barista skills and the preparation of simple dishes. From making coffee to handling money and serving customers, every task helps students grow, gain confidence and prepare for real-world employment opportunities.
The café is more than just a place to eat — it is a place where students learn, grow and prepare for their future.
Phill Morrison
Head of Department – Practical Technologies
Clontarf Beach State High School
pjmor2@eq.edu.au