MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Andrew Devoy
DATTA Queensland proudly presents Andrew Devoy, a distinguished educator who has dedicated over three decades to Design and Technology education. With an impressive career spanning nearly 20 years at Marist College Ashgrove and a wealth of experience across multiple prestigious schools, Andrew has become a cornerstone of technological education in Queensland.
This feature delves into Andrew’s remarkable journey, highlighting his innovative teaching approaches, significant achievements, and unwavering commitment to inspiring students through hands-on learning. From hosting the Invitational Karting Challenge to leading groundbreaking STEM projects, Andrew has consistently pushed the boundaries of Design and Technology education, earning recognition through prestigious awards like the Keith Tronc Award for Outstanding Teacher Leadership and a DATTA Queensland Honorable Mention.
How long have you been a Design and Technology teacher and what schools you have worked in?
Chisholm Catholic College 1994 (1 year)
Cannon Hill Anglican College 1995-1997 (3 years)
Brisbane Girls Grammar School 1998 – 2005 (8 years)
Marist College Ashgrove 2005 – current (almost 20 years)
What inspired you to become a Design and Technology teacher?
My inspiration to become a design and technology teacher stems from my school experiences and the influence of some exceptional teachers. I excelled in this area during my school years, thanks to the support and guidance of teachers who I connected with deeply. Their encouragement played a significant role in my decision to pursue this path. Additionally, my father had a substantial impact on developing my skills early on, and school further honed them. This combination of personal and educational influences led me to believe that teaching design and technology would be a fulfilling career, so I decided to pursue it at university.
Please share your most memorable or proud moments from your teaching career.
I have had the honour and privilege of receiving a few awards. While it is nice to be recognised for these efforts, my proudest moments are what I have achieved supporting my students, my fabulous Technology team of professionals, and Marist College. These are a couple to note;
Keith Tronc Award for Outstanding Teacher Leadership (2018) Issued by ACEL – Australian Council for Educational Leadership · Sep 2018Issued by ACEL – Australian Council for Educational Leadership · Sep 2018
This award is given annually to teachers who have demonstrated outstanding practice in the classroom and as a result have made a difference to colleagues and the lives of students in their care.
Classroom Design and Technology Teacher Award (2019) – Secondary Focus – Honorable Mention
Issued by DATTA – Design and Technology Teachers’ Association Queensland · Jul 2019 Issued by DATTA – Design and Technology Teachers’ Association Queensland Jul 2019
The DATTA QLD Excellence Award program was established to recognise Design and Technology teachers and others who contribute to the profession, serve as models for their colleagues, and demonstrate excellence in the classroom. It should be noted that the term “Design and Technology teachers” is meant to include all teaching areas in the subject area, including areas such as engineering and STEM.
The award serves to provide public recognition for Queensland Design & Technology teachers with candidates being nominated by their colleagues.
These awards are made each year and one of the awardees will become the Queensland nomination for the DATTA Australia Educator of the Year award which is announced at their biennial conference. The next conference is to be held in 2020.
Over my 34 years of teaching, I’ve had the privilege of achieving many milestones. Most recently, I hosted the Invitational Karting Challenge at Marist College for the 11th time. This interschool Go-Karting competition, originally introduced by the Smith Family in 2014, partners industry with schools to re-engage students in learning. This year, we had our largest turnout yet, with 7 schools and nearly 100 students participating.
Other notable initiatives include building a Westfield Kit Car with boarders over three years with completion in 2013, hosting the Annual Karting Challenge for the 11th time this year, and leading a STEM EV Challenge project in 2019. We
were the first Queensland school to participate in the EV Challenge held in Perth, which involved securing sponsors, completing the build, and transporting five students and myself to compete. Additionally, through the Certificate II Engineering Pathways program, we build and race a Le Mans-style race car at Lakeside Park each year.
More recently, with the help of my VET Program Leader, I introduced a unique dual VET course. This course combines the MEM30522 Certificate III in Engineering – Technical with the FSK20119 Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. It requires little extra work but more than doubles the number of QCE credits students can earn over the three-year course. The curriculum centers around using CAD software with a drone.
While all of this has been a lot of work, I am incredibly thankful for the support of my students, colleagues, Technology Team, and Marist College Ashgrove. I couldn’t have achieved these successes without them.
What resources or advice do you recommend or have to help Design and Technology teachers deliver high-quality, engaging, and effective education to their students?
Having the support of the College or school is crucial. When they recognise the educational value and marketing opportunities, it significantly helps the cause. I make the most of this by actively promoting our initiatives. It’s important to seize every opportunity to showcase your department to the entire community. Writing articles for the weekly newsletter is a great way to do this.
I’ve been fortunate to achieve some notable successes and complete several large, involved projects. Marist College Ashgrove has consistently supported the many initiatives mentioned in this article, and their backing has been invaluable.
What hobbies, creative outlets, or pastimes do you enjoy in your free time?
In addition to my Curriculum role, I am deeply involved in the Boarding Community at Marist College, which takes up a significant amount of my time. However, this is a choice I thoroughly enjoy. When I have spare time, I love to further develop my CNC skills, including laser cutting projects, 3D printing, and CNC machining, although finding time for these hobbies is becoming increasingly challenging.
I have a passion for motor racing and enjoy taking the GoKarts out for a spin whenever I can. During the holidays, you will often find me at the beach with a good book. I feel very fortunate in my career and appreciate all the opportunities I’ve had, which I strive to pass on to my students, the Technology Team, and Marist College.
Thank you, Andrew, for participating in the DATTA Queensland Member Spotlight and sharing your inspiring journey and valuable advice with fellow Design and Technology teachers. We encourage other DATTA Queensland members to participate in this series. If you would like to be featured or know a Queensland Design and Technology teacher who deserves recognition, please email us at membership@dattaqld.com.au.