Virtual Lathe - Christchurch Boys' High School
Christchurch Boys' High School is a decile 10 school with 1,360 pupils – 78% Pakeha, 13% Asian, 7% Māori and 2% Pacific Island.
Hans Van Oyen is in his sixth year of teaching. Starting out as a fitter and turner, Hans worked as a sales engineer before moving into teaching. He taught at Linwood High School and Riccarton before arriving at Christchurch Boys'.
Hans was keen to use the virtual lathe to introduce use of a lathe in a safe environment. He hasn't yet tried it with the seniors but says it was "hugely appropriate” for the juniors. It was a good way for them to get a feel for what a lathe is all about, names of parts and what every part does. He also found it a good way to talk through the safety issues.
Two periods were allocated for the class although Hans says that, with hindsight, he would spend more time on the unit.
