Growing confidence with a cutting-edge tool
Students at Kahikatea Kirkwood Intermediate School now have the opportunity to become confident with CAD and explore it’s many possibilities.
Our Impact
By funding a new laser cutter we’re helping over 1,000 students each year discover the possibilities of Computer Aided Design.
The Story
The Tait Foundation has fully funded a Thunder Laser / Nova 35 laser cutter at Kahikatea Kirkwood Intermediate School in Christchurch, giving intermediate-aged students the opportunity to become active users of Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology.
Housed in the school’s technology department, the impressive new machine can cut and engrave wood and a wide range of other materials including plastics, fabric, cardboard and paper.
Technology teacher Colin Powick says having a tool like this in an intermediate school setting is a vital way to boost student confidence.
“Being afraid of failure is a real thing for these kids. This kind of technology is amazing because it helps them turn a rough, wobbly sketch into a precision-made object. The sense of achievement they get is hugely valuable.”
The laser cutter is already having an impact beyond Kirkwood School as well. Several other local schools bus their students in for technology classes each week, meaning up to 1,000 young people will have the opportunity to use the machine every year.
As the world increasingly embraces CAD and digital manufacturing, giving young people the chance to understand and engage with this technology is more important than ever.
"It's crucial that we get kids actively involved with this kind of technology,” says Colin, “so they're creators rather than just consumers."
As a technology teacher and experienced technician himself, Colin has a deep appreciation for the value of STEM education.
“STEM is about engaging the brain and encouraging kids to see technology as a potential career path. As a teacher, I love helping students grow their confidence and perseverance. If things don’t turn out as expected, then learn from that and try again. These are life skills they need in the real world.”
Providing funding for initiatives like these is fundamental to the Tait Foundation’s mission to engage young minds in hands-on, future-focused learning. Colin says the support has been deeply appreciated by the school.
“I had my students help me create a laser-cut version of the Tait Foundation logo to hang in the classroom. We’re hugely grateful to the Tait Foundation for making this possible, and excited to share the benefits with other schools.”
