NSW HSC students at Yanco Agricultural High School are marking the end of months of work on their Industrial Technology major projects, with a strong focus on solving real agricultural challenges.

The students have designed and fabricated a range of practical projects, including an 8-tonne agricultural tipping trailer, livestock feed-out cart, farm fencing unit and chemical trailer, alongside an outdoor kitchen and heavy-duty workbench.

Jackson Greene’s 8-tonne tipping trailer is designed for a range of on-farm jobs including transporting soil, gravel, manure, firewood and hay, while Jeremy Marsh’s chemical trailer aims to provide a safer and more practical way to transport agricultural chemicals.

Across the state, 30,000 students have spent Term 3 finishing major works and performances in courses including visual arts, music, drama, dance, industrial technology, design and technology, textiles and design, english extension 2 and society and culture. 

NSW Department of Education secretary Murat Dizdar congratulated students on completing this stage of their HSC journey. 

“I am incredibly proud of our students who have now completed the practical component of their HSC,” he said. 

“These works represent months, and in many cases years, of dedication, creativity, persistence and skill. 

“Behind every performance, project and piece of work are early mornings, late nights, countless rehearsals and drafts, and the unwavering support of teachers, school leaders, support staff, families and friends. 

“Our students should be proud of what they have achieved. They have shown the determination and creativity that make our public schools so special. 

“As they turn their attention to the final stage of the HSC, our teachers and staff will continue to support, encourage and challenge them to finish strongly.” 

HSC written examinations start on Tuesday 13 October and finish Thursday 5 November. English Paper 1 is the first exam. 

Jackson Greene - 8 Ton Ag Tipping Trailer

Excerpt from HSC major project, statement of intent:

For my Year 12 major project, I intend to design and construct an 8-tonne agricultural tipping trailer. This project idea originated from a personal need for a reliable, purpose-built trailer capable of performing a range of agricultural tasks. These include efficiently tipping and transporting materials such as soil, gravel, and manure, as well as collecting firewood and carting hay. My aim is to produce a heavy-duty, versatile, and low-maintenance trailer that combines strength, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. The finished product should not only serve personal on-farm needs but also have the potential for use in contracting or small-scale commercial applications in the future.

Darcy Hinds - Feed Out Cart

Excerpt from HSC major project, statement of intent:

For my Year 12 HSC major project, I am intending to design and fabricate a trail feeder suitable for distributing feed to livestock in paddocks on our family sheep property. The need for this project came about due to the inefficiency of our current feeding trailer, which are both time consuming and manually intensive. A custom built trail feeder will significantly improve productivity and reduce physical strain during feeding.

Luke Anderson - Farm Fencing Unit

Excerpt from HSC major project, statement of intent:

For my HSC Year 12 major project, I plan to design and build a fencing unit. I’ve lived on a farm for about eight years and have done a lot of fencing in that time. Fencing can be really time-consuming, hard work, and sometimes tricky to do on your own. I want to make a practical piece of equipment that will make fencing quicker, easier, and more efficient for us on the farm.

Patrick Madden - Outdoor Kitchen

Excerpt from HSC major project, statement of intent:

For my Year 12 major project I intend to design and fabricate an enclosed self-contained outdoor barbecue and bench unit. The primary need for this project is that the barbecue we currently have barely works and Dad would like a basic outdoor kitchen set up.

Jeremy Marsh - Chemical Trailer

Excerpt from HSC major project, statement of intent:

For my Year 12 HSC major project, I am designing and fabricating a chemical trailer suitable for transporting agricultural chemicals safely and efficiently. The inspiration for this project has come from the need for a reliable, purpose-built trailer that can carry large chemical IBCs and large chemical drums, spray units, and spraying equipment in a safe and convenient manner. The current trailer available is outdated, rusted, and no longer meets practical safety standards, making this project both relevant and beneficial.

Isabella Palmer - Work Bench

Excerpt from HSC major project, statement of intent:

It is my intention to create and construct a robust workbench which is useful as well as practical and to at the same time showcase the skills in fabrication and construction which I have acquired during the course of year 11 and 12. This workbench will serve the purpose of performing mechanical, fabrication and maintenance activities and will finally be installed in the garage back at home.