Background
Bush Primary School's Technology Centre serves 14 local primary schools. Originally hosted by Hillcrest School, it moved to a purpose-built technology suite at Tararua College in 2002 and has been administered by the college since 2007.
The programme is run on a 12-day rotation, with each school attending once every 12 days. Lessons are run from 9:30 to 2:15 (with a half-hour lunch break) to allow travelling time for those from outside Pahiatua.
Year 7 students do a term of Food Technology with Jacquey Neilson, while the Year 8s are working on Hard Materials Technology with Tim Swale.
Food Technology is a new concept for some, while those with older siblings might have some idea that it's not just cooking. There is a diverse range of home-based experience in food preparation - some students are not encouraged to do much in the kitchen while others cook the family meal. To ensure that all students have a complete set of basic skills and know how to use equipment safely, Jacquey starts the whole class working at the same beginner skill level. And while the more experienced students might have an advantage in cooking, they all need to learn the basics of technological practice.
