Snowy Mountains Grammar School is proud to announce that six of its HSC Design and Technology students have been nominated for the HSC Shape Showcase 2025. Shape highlights outstanding HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, and Textiles and Design projects from across New South Wales. While only a select number of nominations will be chosen for the final exhibition, a nomination itself is a significant recognition of excellence at the state level.
‘Mentoring our HSC Design and Technology students this year has once again been a privilege. The breadth and depth of their ideas were outstanding, with each student tackling real-world problems through creative and thoughtful design. What impressed me most was their ability to iterate and remain open in their thinking, continually refining their concepts to find the best possible solutions despite the challenges they faced. Supporting them through this process and seeing their ideas come to life has been an incredibly rewarding experience.’
—Scott Frize, Head of Faculty, Arts and Design
What Does a Shape Nomination Mean?
Some HSC subjects include a practical component, where students submit a major project in addition to their written examinations. These works are assessed by experienced HSC markers, who apply consistent criteria based on syllabus outcomes. During the marking process, examiners identify projects that demonstrate exemplary levels of creativity, innovation and achievement. These are put forward as Shape nominations. Being nominated acknowledges a student’s project as among the most outstanding in the state, even before final selections are announced.
SMGS HSC Shape Showcase 2025 Nominees
Tulli Oayda—Pouch: Wildlife Roadside Assistance Kit
Tulli designed a roadside assistance kit and app to help everyday drivers safely manage injured marsupials and check pouches of roadkill for joeys. The app provides step-by-step instructions, emergency contacts and location logging, while the kit includes essential tools for animal welfare.
Aiden Moore—Rail Rover: Heritage Rail Track Inspection Vehicle
Aiden’s volunteer work with the Cooma Monaro Railway inspired his design of an automated inspection vehicle. The Rail Rover scans track beds, identifies faults and records data digitally, making heritage railway maintenance more efficient and less labour-intensive.
Lillianna McLean—Sentinel: Indoor Plant Irrigation System
Lillianna’s Sentinel system ensures house plants survive during extended absences. A ceramic vessel delivers water through a controlled drip system, balancing functionality with aesthetics that suit mid-century modern design.
Joshua May—Veltrix: Equestrian Safety Device
Joshua created a detachable rein system with a quick-release mechanism that minimises the risk of entanglement. His design enhances rider safety while maintaining the look and feel of traditional equestrian gear.
Taylah Klemm—Trail Rise: Equestrian Trail Mounting System
Taylah developed a collapsible, portable mounting aid for riders who struggle with bulky blocks. The Trail Rise is functional, space-saving and designed to complement traditional saddle equipment.
Harrison Bailey—Outpost: Retrofitted Pod Campers
Harrison designed a modular retrofit system for pod trailers that integrates a tent, freeing roof racks for carrying large sporting equipment. Outpost offers flexibility and convenience for outdoor travellers and adventure enthusiasts.
Recognising Creativity and Innovation
To have six students nominated for Shape in one year is an extraordinary achievement for Snowy Mountains Grammar School. Each project reflects personal passion, creative problem-solving and the ability to design for real-world needs.
While the final Shape Showcase selections are yet to be announced, these nominations demonstrate the strength of SMGS’s Arts and Design Faculty and the innovative spirit of its students. From wildlife conservation and equestrian safety to sustainable living solutions and heritage rail technology, these projects show how young designers are shaping a better future.