Bridge Building Podcast Episode 57: Datta Podcast: Conference Presenter Series – Deirdre Dennys & Andrew Nicholls
Release Date: 05/08/2024
DattaQueensland's podcast
Episode Overview In Episode 81 of the Bridge Building Podcast, host Stephen Anderson previews two inspiring sessions from the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference. Margaret O’Brien, CEO and co-founder of Young Change Agents, is our Friday morning keynote. She shares how design and technologies education can be a springboard for young people to solve real-world problems and create social impact. Margaret offers a powerful call to action for teachers as mentors, changemakers, and facilitators of “FLARN”—failing and learning. Natasha Ratajczek from the Queensland State Library joins us to discuss...
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Episode Overview In Episode 80 of the Bridge Building Podcast, host Stephen Anderson previews two powerhouse sessions from the upcoming 2025 DATTA QLD Conference (June 19–20, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre). He’s joined by Michael Mikhail, a Melbourne-based engineer and fibre laser innovator, and Jacqueline Niblett, a University of Queensland educator who’s bringing creative firepower to the classroom. Together, they represent the exciting blend of industry, innovation, and education shaping this year’s conference. This episode is packed...
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Episode Overview Stephen Anderson fuels excitement for the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference in Episode 79, recorded on May 5 and 7, 2025, with Kabi Kabi/Gubbi Gubbi educator Sally Lawrence and QUT PhD researcher Leighann Ness-Wilson. This episode previews their June 19 sessions at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, offering insights for design and technology educators. Sally and artist Lesley Gordon Morabalista Warraba dive into Aboriginal tools, fibres, and plant uses, linking cultural knowledge to design. Leighann shares her work on the engineering syllabus and PhD insights on teacher...
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Episode Overview Stephen Anderson launches the 2025 DATTA QLD Conference Series in Episode 78, recorded on April 28 and 30, 2025, with design educators Justine Hawkins and Wayne van den Bos. This episode previews their June 20 sessions at the DATTA QLD Conference, offering a sneak peek into practical tools and syllabus updates for design and technology teachers. Justine shares her passion for fashion and textiles, detailing workshops on drawing soft furnishings and a discussion on Year 10 design courses. Wayne, a syllabus co-writer, unpacks assessment changes, a new IA1 template, and...
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Episode Overview Stephen Anderson sits down with five Year 11 and 12 students from Cleveland State High School to launch the 2025 Teacher Excellence Awards and Service to Design and Technology Education Award. Recorded on March 26, 2025, this episode celebrates the educators and supporters shaping design and technology education in Queensland. The students share heartfelt stories about teachers who go above and beyond—think quirky sayings, passionate literature lessons, and collaborative classrooms. Stephen also shares a gem from his own past: an English teacher who wove Jake and The Fatman...
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Episode Overview Stephen Anderson sits down with Tim Bateup, a STEM teacher from Roma State High School, who’s kicking goals in rural education. Recently awarded a $10,000 Toyota STEM scholarship, Tim’s headed to London to bring back fresh ideas for his Southwest Queensland students. From his roots in digital technologies to pioneering virtual lessons in the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy, Tim shares how he’s bridging the gap for kids in the bush. We explore his gypsy-like teaching journey, the power of virtual learning, and why country life beats the city chaos any day. Key...
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In this episode, Stephen Anderson sits down with Emmanuelle Buecher Hall, a science teacher at Mansfield State High School in Brisbane. A former marine biologist who’s researched jellyfish in South Africa and sailed the world with her family, Emmanuelle now brings real scientists into her school to spark curiosity in students. Stephen first heard her speak at the Future of Education Conference, then organized a trip for his Nanango students to attend one of her after-school science talks—a trip that left a lasting impression. We dive into her journey, her innovative incursions program, and...
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In this episode, Stephen Anderson chats with Keith Alexander, Student Engagement Coordinator at QUT’s Faculty of Engineering. Keith shares how QUT opens its doors to high school students through design and engineering workshops, offering hands-on experiences that align with school curriculums. From speed sketching to future city planning with Lego, these workshops inspire creativity and problem-solving. We also touch on what’s coming for teachers—like professional development and micro-credentials—and practical tips for bringing students to campus. Key Topics Discussed Design...
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In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Madritsch, a woodwork teacher from Mullumbimby High School in NSW and the creator of The Woodwork Camp. We discuss the challenges facing woodwork teachers today, particularly with the increasing number of out-of-area teachers stepping into the workshop, and how well-structured resources can make a real difference. Aaron shares his journey in developing video-based instructional resources and detailed project plans to help students work independently while supporting teachers in delivering effective, hands-on lessons....
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In this episode of the Bridge Building Podcast: From Technology to the Trades, we chat with Leighann Ness Wilson, a designer-turned-educator with a passion for fostering creativity and innovation in education. Leighann shares her journey from growing up in rural Nanango to designing workspaces across the globe and, ultimately, to teaching and researching how design thinking can transform teaching practices. Currently completing her PhD, Leighann focuses on empowering pre-service teachers to embrace design thinking as a core component of their pedagogy. She offers insights into the challenges...
info_outlineOver the next several weeks it is my pleasure to speak with many of the presenters at this year’s conference and today, we will chat with 2 of these speakers. First is Deirdre Dennys who is leading the workshop Designing spaces for diversity, inclusion and participation: The Corner Cafe Project. Then we spend some time with Andrew Nicholls discussing the two presentation he will be leading on the second day. Design Drawing and then WHS in Design and technology learning spaces. What a great experience it was chatting to these sensational teachers. Deirdre positively glowed when she spoke about her year nine class. Yes I did say that, her year nine class. And Andrew also an architect gets right into the skill of drawing, it is palpable the passion he shows for his craft. We also talked about his presentation on Workplace Health and Safety and it has had me thinking since. You see I did give him a bit of a hard time about the topic which in truth says that I should be the person who most needs to be sitting in that room his, and I will be. I’ll be back next week with more of the sensational presenters that will be speaking this year at the Brisbane convention centre from the 13th to the 14th of June.
And remember the 2024 Teacher Excellence Awards are looking for nominations right now so look to your left and look to your right. Because you may be sitting right next to someone who deserves to be applauded. There are two awards the Design and Technology teacher of the year and the contribution to design and technology education award for that person who is not a teacher but still does great things for our teaching area