Celebrating Student Creativity and Innovation at St Patrick’s College
St Patrick’s College recently marked a milestone in its VCE Arts and Technology program, celebrating the creativity, skill, and dedication of its Year 12 students. The OCA Pavilion, usually a hub for daily learning, transformed into a vibrant gallery space on Wednesday, 8 October, drawing families, friends, and staff to admire the remarkable work produced by students undertaking Units 3 & 4 in Art Making and Exhibiting, Product Design and Technologies, Media, Systems Engineering, and Visual Communication Design.
A Showcase of Hours of Hard Work and Creative Vision
Approximately 100 attendees gathered to witness the culmination of weeks and months of effort—the School Assessed Task (SAT). Each SAT showcased a major production piece or a suite of projects, complemented by a detailed folio that documents the student’s design process, investigation, planning, and evaluation. The event provided a meaningful platform for learners to articulate their creative decisions and the practical steps behind their work, while also offering peers and mentors a space to celebrate diverse approaches to art and technology.
Leadership, Support, and the Spirit of Collaboration
Head of Technology and event coordinator, Mr Roger Knight, spoke warmly about the students’ creativity, persistence, and craftsmanship. He highlighted the important role that staff, families, and industry professionals play in nurturing young talent and ensuring that aspirational goals remain within reach. The evening also underscored the collaborative ethos of the college, where feedback, mentorship, and practical experience converge to build a strong foundation for future study and careers in the arts and technology sectors.
Awards That Recognise Excellence Across Disciplines
A highlight of the night was the presentation of awards that recognised excellence across each subject area. Judged by a panel of industry professionals, these awards assess not only aesthetic and technical merit but also the cultural significance of the works and the clarity of the supporting folios. Winners received $100, a prize certificate, and engraving on the perpetual trophy, with Deputy Principal – Academic Culture, Ms Carol Roberts, proudly presenting the accolades.
2023 Award Recipients
- Art Making and Exhibiting: Zac Procaccino
- Media: Riley Irvin
- Product Design and Technologies: Riley Irvin
- Systems Engineering: Ned Cummins
- Visual Communication Design: Blake Scott
- People’s Choice Award: Albie Eskdale
These recipients reflect the breadth and depth of the college’s VCE Arts and Technology program, illustrating how students blend technical proficiency with creative exploration to produce work that resonates with peers and professionals alike.
Acknowledging Industry Expertise and Future Pathways
The college extended its sincere thanks to the adjudicators whose expertise helped shape the evening’s outcomes. The judging panel included Ms Hisu Lee for Art and Visual Communication Design, Mr Damon Minotti and Mr Aaron Coulter for Systems Engineering, Mr Brian Cush for Product Design and Technologies, and Ms Jeanean Pritchard for Media. Their time and professional insight provided invaluable feedback to students, reinforcing the real-world relevance of the VCE Arts and Technology curriculum.
Looking Ahead: Nurturing Creativity and Lifelong Learning
As students move forward from this showcase, St Patrick’s College remains committed to supporting creative inquiry, technical skill development, and reflective practice. The SAT process, with its emphasis on both a major production and a comprehensive folio, equips students with a holistic framework for evaluating their own work and communicating ideas effectively. The college’s ongoing collaboration with industry professionals will continue to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications, helping students pursue further study or careers in fields ranging from design and media to engineering and technology.
