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WEDNESDAY 9 SEPTEMBER 2026 6:00 - 8:00 PM

“Creativity is intelligence having fun. .” Albert Einstein

Welcome Message from Mr Paul Horvath, Head of Teaching and Learning In a time where creativity and innovation seem threatened, what a privilege it is to come together as a community to celebrate those two very human characteristics. Welcome to the 2026 HSC Showcase Evening. There is much consternation around the technology of today. The world is abuzz with Generative AI and if you believe the cynic, creativity and innovation is lost to the next generation. But listen to those who know and the sentiment is very different, as captured in the musings of neuroscientist and Arts Professor from Georgetown University, Adam Greene; “What I think we have to be careful of is to assume that it’s a replacement for human creativity.” And tonight is validation that the spark of imagination has not been replaced … has not been lost. It may look different, but it remains a vibrant, powerful, challenging and rewarding part of any successful HSC Major Work journey. Of course, it is journey shared. Teachers, family and friends all help to navigate the Major Work process and tonight is also about offering a heartfelt thanks to all who have supported, encouraged and guided our students as the realisation of their creativity and innovation evolved.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

Featuring D RA M A 04 T-10 Minutes 05 Pest 06 Between Takes 07 Ned Kelly 08 92 Days 09 Towel Lady 10 The Panel V IS UA L A RTS 11 Equilibrium 12 The Turning Point 13 Grounded in Country 14 Element 15 The Kraken’s Wake 16 The New Alphabet 17 A Garden in a World of White D ES IG N A N D TEC HNOLOG Y 18 Quiver 19 Alora 20 Vice 21 Board Buddy 22 Mr Clutch 23 Alpinix

S CIE N CE EXT ENSI ON 24 The Effects of Ethylene Glycol on Chlorella sp. Growth 25 Differential Effects of Common Antibiotics on Growth Kinetics and Antimicrobial Resistance in Representative Gut Bacteria 26 The Effect of Seawater on The Degradation of Polylactic Acid at Different Temperatures 27 How Does the Application of Seasol Affect Wheat Growth and Microbial Community Structure in the Rhizosphere? E N G LIS H EXT ENSI ON 2 28 To Virtue: The Art of Murder MUS IC 29 Jack Lyster - Piano 30 Oscar Whitehead - Drums 31 Patricia Marsden - Composition and Performance 32 Poppy Bressington - Voice 33 Jack Willsmer - Electric Bass

D RA M A

T-10 MINUTES (Group Performance)

Poppy Bressington, Ava Lambert, Toby McIntyre Shying, Aidan O’Connor, Violet Ottley and Jack Willsmer T-10 Minutes is an original group performance that explores the question: If humanity had just ten minutes left to save itself, what form of leadership would it choose? As competing systems and ideologies vie for control, the ensemble examines power, politics, and the challenges of governance in times of crisis. The work ultimately questions whether any system can truly succeed when those in power become more committed to preserving the system than serving the people within it.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

D RA M A

PEST (Individual Performance) Poppy Bressington

Pest introduces Annalese, an ambitious and determined teacher’s pet whose unwavering sense of purpose leads her to challenge the authority she so deeply respects. Combining humour, conviction, and youthful idealism, the monologue explores the tension between obedience and advocacy, asking what happens when a student’s passion for doing what is right becomes impossible to ignore.

D RA M A

BETWEEN TAKES (Video Drama) Ava Lambert

Between Takes explores the realities of pursuing a career in acting, reflecting on the challenges, setbacks, resilience, and determination required to succeed in a highly competitive industry. Through an honest and engaging portrayal of an aspiring performer, the work examines the sacrifices and perseverance often hidden behind the pursuit of creative ambitions. Blending naturalistic storytelling with moments of reflection, Between Takes offers insight into the passion, dedication, and persistence required to turn a dream into a career.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

D RA M A

NED KELLY (Individual Performance) Toby McIntyre Shying

Ned Kelly offers an imagined glimpse into the legendary bushranger’s final moments before his execution. Through an intimate conversation with his brother, Kelly reflects on the choices, relationships, and events that shaped his life and reputation. Exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, family, and legacy, the monologue examines the human story behind one of Australia’s most enduring historical figures, inviting audiences to consider the personal cost of becoming a legend.

D RA M A

92 DAYS (Individual Performance) Aidan O’Connor

92 Days is a heartfelt and reflective monologue that follows a man as he looks back on the journey of first love, marriage, and the memories that continue to shape his life. Set after an unexpected date, the work explores themes of connection, grief, and enduring love, revealing how significant relationships leave a lasting imprint long after they have ended. Through warmth, humour, and honest storytelling, 92 Days celebrates the power of memory and the profound impact of the people who shape our lives.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

D RA M A

TOWEL LADY (Individual Performance) Violet Ottley

Towel Lady is a poignant and insightful monologue that transforms the everyday act of hanging out the laundry into a powerful reflection on the experience of womanhood. Through the character’s memories, observations, and personal revelations, the work explores the expectations, responsibilities, and often unseen burdens carried by women across generations. Blending humour, warmth, and honesty, Towel Lady invites audiences to consider the resilience, strength, and quiet sacrifices that shape women’s lives.

D RA M A

THE PANEL (Individual Performance) Jack Willsmer

The Panel is a darkly comic monologue that explores themes of recognition, ego, and self-importance. As Timothy appears before a panel of celebrated martyrs and even God himself, he passionately argues his case for inclusion among history’s most revered figures. The work examines the universal human desire for validation and significance, inviting audiences to question what truly constitutes sacrifice, achievement, and worth.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

V IS UA L A RTS

EQUILIBRIUM Hannah Dawson Ceramics

This series of three ceramic sculptures is an exploration of beauty, form and technical accomplishment. Drawing visual references from chess pieces and the architectural spires of Turkey, the forms balance symmetry, proportion and ornament to create objects intended to be appreciated simply for their visual presence. Each sculpture is wheel-thrown and finished with a meticulously developed glaze formulated from combinations of minerals and oxides. The resulting surfaces resemble weathered bark, layered, streaked and complex, revealing the unpredictable beauty that can emerge from a highly controlled process. The work celebrates the pursuit of mastery: the patience required to learn a demanding craft, the precision of repetition and the satisfaction of continually refining technique. Here, skill is not merely a means to an end; technical accomplishment becomes the subject itself, with beauty emerging from the meeting of discipline, material and form.

V IS UA L A RTS

THE TURNING POINT Jakob Archer Photography and Woodwork

This photographic work explores the enduring impact of the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Scheme on the Kosciuszko region. Through images of its altered landscapes the work considers the tension between the natural environment and human intervention. The project reflects on a landscape shaped by ambition, engineering and necessity, while questioning what is gained and what is lost when a place is transformed. Photography becomes a means of documenting these traces of intervention and considering how the region continues to exist between its natural and constructed identities.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

V IS UA L A RTS

GROUNDED IN COUNTRY Maddison Grisbrook Watercolour Painting

This series of 35 watercolour paintings explores the extraordinary diversity and delicate beauty of Australian native flora. Each plant is rendered with meticulous attention to botanical detail, using technical precision and realism to celebrate the complexity of forms, structures and colours found within the Australian landscape.

V IS UA L A RTS

ELEMENT Quinn Mesley Film

This film explores a range of sports, in order to highlight not just the sport, but the beauty of the environments that you are placed in. The theme of motion throughout the film, aims to contrast the somewhat overwhelming themes of fast, skilful sport, with the slower motion of the environments. This is shown by the interaction of individual and environment in a meteoric composition that aims to inspire and revere the natural world through the worldwide passion for sports.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

V IS UA L A RTS

THE KRAKEN’S WAKE Scarlet Hunt Gouache

This artwork contrasts the modern mediums of artmaking and style, with the composition of a medieval manuscript, mainly painted between the 5th-15th century. Gouache and gold pigmented watercolour with bold and vibrant areas of flat colour. Medieval manuscripts were made to express a controversial idea or emotion, hiding in symbolism. The Kraken pushes against the boarders, its brutality pushing past history’s golden idealisms, representing what has been hidden and lost throughout history.

V IS UA L A RTS

THE NEW ALPHABET

Luka Pasalich Spray Paint, Posca Marker, and Fine Liner

My Year 12 Major Work explores Postmodernism through influences from the artist Banksy and graffiti, street art and cyber sigilism. I combine bold colours, graffiti tags, cartoon imagery, abstract shapes and symbols to create a chaotic and contemporary visual style. The use of layered imagery and different artistic styles reflects the Postmodern idea of mixing and reusing existing visual culture. My work is also influenced by the dark, futuristic and organic forms of cyber sigilism, while graffiti and street art inspire the expressive marks, lettering and urban aesthetic.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

V IS UA L A RTS

A GARDEN IN A WORLD OF WHITE Lucille Brinkmann Ceramics and Sculpture

This work is an exploration of the gradual disappearance of colour, ornament and detail from the objects and spaces that surround us. Across architecture, clothing, vehicles and domestic design, contemporary life has increasingly embraced a restrained visual language, clean, neutral and deliberately undecorated. Three pendant lamps become a site for resisting this aesthetic. Their restrained white, grouted exteriors conceal interiors alive with intricate, handmade coral forms and vivid colour. The work transforms an ordinary functional object into an opportunity for excess, detail and ornament.

DE S IG N A N D TEC H N OLOG Y

QUIVER

Revolving Snowboard Rack Chase Hughes The aim is to build a self-standing memorabilia snowboard rack than can display prized snowboards using a revolving stand that will be spun for display. The purpose of this design is to allow the snowboards to have a rotating system to incorporate and display, thus allowing the owner to easily view the collection. Each of the boards will be accessible with slots that will keep the boards back and front graphic fully exposed. The revolving rack will be built using materials that will have the ability to complement indoor interior and match indoor furniture. This will allow the boards to be placed in an indoor environment for displaying in any part of the home. This project will be completed within an academic year and cost anywhere from $300-500 for the final product including prototypes and test.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

DE S IG N A N D TEC H N OLOG Y

ALORA

Adaptive Gardening Systems Brooke Cumbers The aim of this design is to encourage gardening and growing healthy foods while reducing the hard labour involved in maintaining veggie patches. The design targets the elderly and users with limited strength, allowing them to experience the wellbeing benefits of connecting with nature. The product features a movable polly pipe and crank system to turn soil with minimal effort, along with a fitted lid and collection tray to prevent soil spills. Overall, the design aims to make gardening more accessible, reduce physical effort and encourage users to stay active while growing their own food.

DE S IG N A N D TEC H N OLOG Y

VICE

Adaptive Ski Technologies Georgette Philpott The aim of this project is to increase safety and inclusivity for Para Alpine Skiing Athletes. This product will increase safety by providing a more sophisticated and simple transition to stationary support from active movement that will result in increased balance and control. This product will have a sleek appearance to align with the aesthetics of the current skiing industry. This will take 8 months to design and create and will cost less than $500.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

DE S IG N A N D TEC H N OLOG Y

BOARD BUDDY

Beginner Snowboarder Training Aid Helena Smith Board Buddy is a snowboard teaching aid designed to support beginner snowboarders learning sideslipping and falling leaf. The device attaches to the downhill side edge of the snowboard, between the bindings, creating a controlled barrier between the board’s edge and the snow to reduce unexpected edge catches and assist learners in developing balance, weight distribution and edge control. The product aims to create a more controlled learning environment, helping beginners build confidence and reduce the risk of falls and associated injuries, while providing instructors with a practical teaching aid. It will be lightweight, compact, removable and portable, with materials and construction suited to cold, wet and snowy conditions. Through an iterative design and testing process, Board Buddy combines functionality, ergonomics, durability and visual appeal to improve the learning experience for beginner snowboarders.

DE S IG N A N D TEC H N OLOG Y

MR CLUTCH

Pro Mountain Bike Caddy Blake Marshall The aim is to create a mobile MTB storage solution/service caddy. The product will allow you to store and hold all your MTB gear and tools securely, the functionality of the caddy will have to be strong, sturdy, mobile, and be used to out all your gear in whilst also being used for a service bench when needed. It will be a hip height box (square), using modern construction methods to create a sleek furniture feel. The project will be completed within a 8 month time frame, including the portfolio and the actual build of the product. The caddy will be built as a prototype with the goal of keeping production costs as low as possible.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

DE S IG N A N D TEC H N OLOG Y

ALPINIX

Vault Ultralight Waste Compression Chamber Nadia Falconer The aim of this project is to develop a compression chamber to minimise wastage when engaging in outdoor activities, particularly hiking and camping treks. When generating rubbish from food packaging and other waste, the product will act as a convenient, plunge function, storage system to reduce environmental impact and improve personal hygiene, while maintaining an ultralight weight. The product will be cylindrical in shape to fit comfortably in a full 60L hiking pack without taking up a significant amount of space, similar to the size of a 600ml drink bottle. The project should take 8 months to design and construct and will cost approximately $100, which includes the materials and applications used.

S C IE N C E E X TE N SI O N

The Effects of Ethylene Glycol on Chlorella sp. Growth Aidan O’Connor

Ethylene glycol (EG) is recognised as a potential additive to cooling systems during the process of artificial snowmaking. This organic solvent can then be released by the snow guns within the artificial snow itself and reach waterways where it can come into contact with microalgal species such as Chlorella sp. The experiment aimed to investigate and determine the consequences of this contact. The experiment found that there was a significant difference in growth data between both concentrations of EG when compared to the control. This confirmed the investigations’ hypothesis that EG would inhibit Chlorella sp. and disrupt its growth. However, it is doubtful that these results would transfer to non-laboratory conditions found in real life, as Chlorella sp. growth was affected much less severely after the EG was diluted 1:10 with water. In large bodies of water, with how dilute the EG would be, the opposite effect may be true with the organic solvent acting as a carbon source, stimulating more growth. Consequently, this could potentially lead to a larger amount of growth of potentially dangerous blue-green algae species.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

S C IE N C E E X TE N SI O N

Differential Effects of Common Antibiotics on Growth Kinetics and Antimicrobial Resistance in Representative Gut Bacteria Tessa Paxton

Antibiotic resistance is an increasing threat to human health, reducing the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments against bacterial infections. This investigation examined the extent to which ampicillin, streptomycin, chloramphenicol and tetracycline affected the growth kinetics and potential development of antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Zones of inhibition were measured using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method, and bacterial growth curves were constructed by monitoring optical density at 530 nm using a spectrophotometer. The results demonstrated that antibiotic susceptibility differed between bacterial species and antibiotic type. Escherichia coli exhibited reduced susceptibility to ampicillin and streptomycin over time, while Enterococcus faecium displayed reduced susceptibility to streptomycin but remained susceptible to ampicillin. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum showed significant inhibition by chloramphenicol, whereas tetracycline only inhibited growth during the initial stages of the growth curve. Overall, this investigation demonstrated that bacterial responses to antibiotics are species-dependent, and that growth curve analysis is an effective method for identifying changes in bacterial susceptibility over time. While the investigation was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions using a limited experimental scope, the findings provide only a simplified representation of antibiotic resistance and cannot be directly extrapolated to the complexity of the human microbiome. Nevertheless, the findings contribute to a greater understanding of antimicrobial resistance suggesting that common antibiotics exert differential effect of bacterial growth kinetics and antimicrobial resistance across representative gut microbiome species, directly addressing the research question under controlled culture conditions and demonstrate the value of growth curve analysis for investigating bacterial responses to antibiotics. 25

S C IE N C E E X TE N SI O N

The effect of Seawater on The Degradation of Polylactic Acid at Different Temperatures Charles Pearce

Plastic pollution is a major problem affecting the world’s oceans, outlining the need for a sustainable replacement. This is what biodegradable polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA) come in as a sustainable replacement for oil-based polymers. This experiment aims to uncover the effect of marine environments on the degradation of PLA under different conditions. 6 3D printed PLA disks were submerged in seawater from Pambula Beach over a 115day period. Three samples were placed in room temperature water in beakers, while the other three were placed in plastic containers in a 40-degree water bath. Change in mass was measured throughout the experiment and a microscopic analysis was conducted postexperiment. Statistical analysis was conducted in the form of a Welch t-test to analyse the results. Contrary to the hypothesis, the samples increased in mass over time rather than decreasing. Significant mass increase was measured overall, but there was no mass change between the research groups. The mass increase was hypothesised to involve the precipitation of salts. Overall, the findings suggest marine environments are inefficient at degrading polylactic acid polymers and suggests PLA does not degrade rapidly in marine environments.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

S C IE N C E E X TE N SI O N

How Does the Application of Seasol Affect Wheat Growth and Microbial Community Structure in the Rhizosphere? Oscar Whitehead

This investigation examined the effect of varying concentrations of Seasol on microbial community structure within the rhizosphere and the subsequent influence on plant growth. It was hypothesised that Seasol treated plants would have an increased abundancy of nitrogen, stimulating plant growth, in turn significantly altering microbial community structure compared to untreated controls. Wheat seeds were grown over a 5-week period under different Seasol treatment concentrations and water treatments. Following growth of the wheat plants, rhizosphere soil samples were collected and analysed using a bioinformatics sequencing software to identify changes in microbial taxa abundance and diversity. Plant growth was assessed using the Haun scale. The results demonstrated that increased Seasol concentration altered microbial community composition and increased the abundance of several bacterial taxa, particularly members of the phylum Pseudomonadota and Bacteriodota. However greater microbial diversity did not correspond with plant growth, instead plants with higher concentration Seasol exhibited reduced plant growth and the inhibition of leaves according to the Haun scale. The findings suggest that elevated nitrogen abundance may have intensified sustaining taxa that as a result inhibits plant growth alongside. Multiple taxa found in the initial inoculant also died out post the 5-week period, indicating shifts in microbial community structure over time. Overall, this investigation demonstrated that fertiliser concentration significantly influences rhizosphere microbial community structure and that excessive proliferation may negatively affect plant growth. Additionally, these findings contribute to a greater and broader understanding of plant-microbial community interactions, highlighting the criticality of optimising fertiliser in benefit of the plant and microbial community structure. 27

E N G L IS H E X TE N SI ON 2

TO VIRTUE: THE ART OF MURDER Georgette Philpott

My Major Work is a poetic sequence that follows a young woman’s gradual descent from love and devotion into obsession and violence. Across the piece, her perspective becomes increasingly unstable as she attempts to justify her actions and hold onto a relationship that is slipping beyond her control. The work explores the blurred boundaries between love and possession, heroism and villainy, and right and wrong. Through a fragmented and intimate voice, the sequence focuses on her changing mindset and the way intense emotion can distort a person’s sense of morality and identity.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

MU S I C

JACK LYSTER

Piano ‘Lotus Land’ by Cyril Scott ‘Go Tell it on the Mountain’ by Ralf Hoffman ‘Father and Son’ by Cat Stevens ‘C# Minor Prelude’ by S. Rachmaninov These four diverse pieces - Scott’s Lotus Land, the spiritual Go Tell It on the Mountain, Stevens’s Father and Son, and Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C# Minor - demonstrate the expressive power of chord progression - which is what I enjoy most in music Rachmaninoff’s work primarily inspired this selection, showcasing how rich textures and independent voice-leading create emotional weight through linear momentum. Exploring this across varied contexts reveals how simpler harmonic frameworks in folk and spirituals support narrative character, while chromatic complexity in romantic works builds intense atmosphere. Ultimately, these pieces prove that harmony transcends isolated theory. True meaning emerges from how individual notes interact horizontally with melodies to generate tension, resolution and resonance.

MU S I C

OSCAR WHITEHEAD

Drums ‘The Drum Also Waltzes’ by Max Roach ‘Seven Days’ by Sting ‘Forty-Six and 2’ by Tool (with Jack W) ‘Lateralus’ by Tool (with Jack W) I chose these pieces due to their challenge and complexity. The Drum Also Waltzes blends complex rhythms and diverse kit textures, proving a rhythm instrument creates melody through interpretation, balancing simplicity with dynamic expression and durational depth. Seven Days features a tight, controlled groove where sharp accents highlight overlooked parts, driving movement and experimental capacity without undermining accompanying instrumentation. Forty-Six & 2 dives into a shifting 11/8 time signature with distinct polyrhythms, using African-style drums to build melodic layers over a strong rhythmic foundation and creating an immersive experience. Lateralus combines five time signatures and polyrhythmic technicality driving musical flow and creating a collective experience.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

MU S I C

PATRICIA MARSDEN

Composition and Performance ‘I Am Strong Enough’ - composition ‘Upside Down Frown’ - composition Two Performances I chose to perform two songs and compose two songs. One of my compositions is titled ‘I am Strong Enough’. I composed this piece in a contemporary songwriting style to express the emotional journey of losing and rebuilding self-confidence through slopestyle skiing. Personal, emotional lyrics contrast fear with confidence - such as “How can I ever be enough?” versus “I am brave, I am tough and I am strong enough.” Repetition in “Just one person to believe” reinforces the vital role of support and encouragement. This style effectively bridges the physical challenges of navigating jumps and rails with the psychological hurdles of overcoming self-doubt.

MU S I C

POPPY BRESSINGTON Voice ‘Misty’ by Ella Fitzgerald ‘Cinnamon Girl’ by Lana del Ray ‘Dreams’ by Fleetwood Mac ‘From the Start’ by Laufey

I chose these pieces because I felt I could express myself through them while simultaneously having fun during the creative process. Music is personal, and selecting repertoire that resonates on an emotional level makes practice and performance more satisfying. I also wanted to incorporate an ensemble behind me so that we could share that joy, energy, and camaraderie all together while performing live. Collaborating with other student musicians is fun and I wanted to have a couple of pieces in my program when I could sing with the group. Finally, I intentionally sought out a thoughtful mix of technicality within my four chosen pieces to allow me to grow musically.

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

MU S I C

JACK WILLSMER

Electric Bass ‘Hysteria’ by Muse ‘The Less I Know the Better’ by Tame Impala ‘Forty-Six and 2’ by Tool (with Oscar) ‘Lateralus’ by Tool (with Oscar) I chose these pieces because I felt I could convey the ideas that the songs represent, as well as having a whole band with me so we can play together, grow together and have fun. I also like the meaning behind each of the songs. The Less I Know the Better symbolises not grasping for drama and wanting to know everything about everyone, just being okay with what’s provided to you. Hysteria symbolises the agonizing desperation and madness of a soul-consuming, unrequited obsession. Forty-Six & 2 symbolises evolving to a higher level of consciousness by confronting your hidden, dark personal traits. Lateralus symbolises breaking past rigid, linear thinking to embrace the vast, interconnected randomness of life and nature. The intricate musical arrangements and technical challenges embedded in the Tool tracks also provide an exciting opportunity for us to push our collective skills further.

Staff Reflection DRAMA The Class of 2026 Drama students are a talented, dynamic, and highly creative group of young people, and it has been a privilege to share in their HSC Drama journey. I have loved watching them grow creatively throughout the year, developing confidence in their artistic voices, refining their performance skills, and embracing increasingly ambitious and complex ideas. Drama is a unique subject that challenges students to think critically, collaborate creatively, and communicate with confidence. Balancing a written examination alongside individual and group performance projects requires dedication, resilience, and adaptability. Through this process, students develop not only as performers and theatre-makers, but also gain valuable life skills, including teamwork, problem-solving, empathy, and the confidence to articulate their ideas. These qualities will serve them well long after their final school Drama performance. Ms Emma Darling

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

Staff Reflection VISUAL ARTS This year’s Visual Arts class has been a wonderful group to watch grow as young artists. Each student has followed their own interests and developed works that reveal their individual perspectives, ideas and creative identities. The HSC Body of Work is a demanding process, requiring students to live with an idea, question it, reshape it and sometimes start again. Seeing these works develop from early experiments into finished pieces has been one of the most rewarding parts of teaching the class. I hope they leave the studio with a lasting belief in their own creative instincts, and a curiosity to keep making, exploring and looking at the world differently. Congratulations, Visual Arts 2026. Miss Sidney Tulau

Staff Reflection DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY The quality of projects this year has been outstanding. The real pleasure, however, has been working so closely with six incredibly talented students who have tirelessly developed, tested and refined their ideas throughout the year. Their commitment is reflected in the innovative solutions they have created in response to the problems they identified. Alongside an enormous body of work documenting their individual design journeys, this collection showcases what can be achieved when hard work and creativity are fused with state-ofthe-art design technologies. I couldn’t be prouder of what this group has achieved. Well done, Team DT 2026. Enjoy! Mr Scott Frize

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

Staff Reflection SCIENCE EXTENSION The Science Extension projects undertaken in 2026 represent a wide gamut of scientific disciplines, with obvious real world practical applications. The students worked well to complete their projects and employed considerable focus and application, working like real scientists through the process. These dedicated science students can now utilise the skills they have developed in Science Extension to pursue future opportunities in scientific fields as they arise, should they choose to do so. Dr Darryl Nelson

Staff Reflection ENGLISH EXTENSION 2 Only one student ventured down the path of English Extension 2 but what an incredible Major Work was found at the end. To Virtue: The Art of Murder demonstrates remarkable creativity, conceptual depth and a confident command of poetic form. It has been a pleasure to supervise the student who demonstrated an exceptional level of independence, discipline and creative confidence. Having completed a full draft by the start of this year, they used the months that followed to continually refine their poetry, deepen their research and make increasingly considered creative choices. The finished work is a compelling reflection of the possibilities of sustained engagement with language, ideas and poetic form, and is a fitting representation of the dedication and creativity that English Extension 2 encourages. Ms Anne Jones

Snowy Mountains Grammar School 2026 HSC Showcase

Staff Reflection MUSIC The HSC Music 1 class of 2026 has been a special journey for all of us. Each student brought a unique blend of skill, knowledge and confidence to the class. Watching them grow both individually and together has been truly awesome. Throughout the year, they’ve supported one another with generosity and care, overcoming their own doubts and comparisons and those quiet voices that say, I’m not good enough or I’ll never perform like them. It’s my hope that the confidence, maturity and grace they have discovered in our Music classroom stays with them long after the HSC notes are played. Mrs Sue Sell

Special Thanks

Snowy Mountains Grammar School wishes to acknowledge the teachers, staff, parents and friends of our Year 12 students - thank you for supporting them through this process.

smgs.nsw.edu.au