Students across the state are being inspired and challenged by exhibitions of outstanding work from the 2007 HSC examinations in design and technology and textiles and design.

The exhibitions – DesignTECH and Texstyle – showcase major design projects of the highest standards of excellence and innovation.

DesignTECH features a diverse range of major works, including a collapsible unicycle for ease of transportation, an online magazine to promote healthy lifestyles and self-esteem in teenagers, and a man’s four-piece suit with a detachable collar that can be transformed into multiple outfits for both everyday and evening wear.

Year 12 Sefton High School students, who visited the exhibition at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney, were particularly taken by a surfboard made of interchangeable sections, designed by Jared Smith from Smiths Hill High School in Wollongong, to be reassembled with different tails for different surfing conditions.

Sefton High School design and technology teacher Kinsi Roberts said the exhibition demonstrated to students the range of projects possible and different ways of approaching their major works.

“It clarifies in their mind what we expect of them and what we hope they can achieve,” Ms Roberts said.

Students from Willoughby Girls High School similarly experienced the highest standards of achievement in textiles and design when they visited the Texstyle exhibition at Vaucluse House, which included major works from the apparel, costume, furnishings, textile arts and nonapparel categories.

Year 11 student Emma J said she was amazed to see how much time and effort had gone into the major works.

“It’s really inspirational to see what other students have done, what we have to aspire to. It’s very different to what’s been expected of us in the junior years.”

Willoughby Girls High textiles and design teacher Amy Kleindienst said the exhibition had been “a real eye-opener” for her students.

“They’ve been able to look at the required documentation and the manufacturing techniques involved in practical work and perhaps gain some further inspiration,” she said.

For more information on the exhibitions and their regional tour dates, go to: www.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/exhibitions