Woonona teen scores a 3D electric guitar and job after impressive HSC project

Former Woonona High School student Matt Hardy completed the same exam in 2019.

The 19-year-old's impressive showing in the subject included designing an electric guitar for one of his HSC major works.

"While researching I found multiple other people had designed and built their own 3D guitars. And just looking at them, the levels at which you could customise and control the design of it, it is just insane and that really inspired me to create my own," Matt said.

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"Part of the HSC project also called on me to not only design and build a guitar but I had to innovate on it. So I chose to improve it. I did that by reducing the weight of the guitar from five kilos to three kilos.

"The body of the guitar was hollowed out, allowing for storage of different components, such as guitar picks inside it, and lastly I put a stand on the back of the guitar."

Matt said he took the initiative to build a relationship with the team at BuildBee, another Wollongong success story, who gave him access to their 3D printing software and printers to help him create his guitar.

3D printing is becoming far more accessible to the general public and is increasingly being used across the education system.

BuildBee software means that you don't even need to own your own 3D printer to be able to take advantage of the technology.

Matt received a scaled mark of 88 and says the project was a contributor to receiving two early entry offers to the University of Wollongong (primary education and communications and media) and two electrical apprenticeship offers.

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He decided to accept the apprenticeship with BlueScope Steel and is now well under way in his new role.

"Getting towards the end of Year 12 I always thought that I'd just end up going to uni but applied for some apprenticeships just in case.

"The reason why I went with BlueScope is because I felt like I didn't fit the role correctly with some of my uni offers. With others that I maybe would have liked to pursue involved me moving away from home."

Drama students also sit their final written exam on Wednesday afternoon, marking the end of the 2020 HSC.

Minister for Education Sarah Mitchell said the Class of 2020 had demonstrated extraordinary resilience this year.

"This has been a year like no other, and I am sure teachers and families will join with me as we congratulate all HSC students for the way they handled themselves during a challenging time," Ms Mitchell said.

"Our Year 12 students have demonstrated resilience and persistence, both throughout the year and during the exam period - and their schools have gone above and beyond to help them succeed."

Over the past three weeks, HSC students have sat 120 exams in venues that looked a little bit different this year.

"The work done by schools to prepare COVID safe exam day protocols and contingency measures in were extremely effective in keeping everyone involved safe.

"Thank you to our school communities for all that you have done this year to ensure students could continue learning and for keeping students safe and healthy," Ms Mitchell said.

Wednesday is also the last day of restrictions on high school formals and celebrations.

Marking is already underway as students await their results, which will be received via SMS and email on Friday December 18.

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