Figure 1.--This boy is hard at work on his project in a beginning carpentry class at the high school level. New Zealand high schools have excellent carpentry and metal working facilities.
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Figure 1.--This boy is hard at work on his project in a beginning carpentry class at the high school level. New Zealand high schools have excellent carpentry and metal working facilities. |
Shop or mannual arts is a subject that have traditionally been given considerable attention at New Zealand schools, probably as a result of the practial bent of many
New Zealanders. New Zealand intermediary schooks are equiped with excellent shop facilities. Both boys and girls are introduced to basic carpentry and metal
working. The New Zealand national curriculum reqquires that pupils be exposed to mannual arts at this level and as result, private schools without the necessary
facilities are allowed to use the facilities at the intermediate schools. The high schools of course have much more elaborate facilities, but at this level it is mostly the
boys that participate but a few hearty young ladies do take shop courses--especially carpentry.
This year the students and Mr. Fletcher have explored new heights in Wood and Metal Craft. All the students had the opportunity to widen their abilities. In Wood Craft, items like trucks, trays and other little models were made, while in Metal Craft flowers were made along with flags. Wood Craft involved using the sanders, saws and drills while in Metal Craft we used soldering irons, pliers and metal files. The students enjoyed using these tools as they may never get a chance to use this sort of equipment again. All students thoroughly enjoyed this experience and Form One students can't wait to return next year.
Kristina Vergis and Emma McDougall, Room 20, Roskill Intermediate, 1999
