Virtual Lathe - Sacred Heart College
Sacred Heart College, Auckland, is a Catholic Marist boys' school with 1015 Year 7-13 students. At junior level (Years 7-9) four technology areas – Electronics and Control, Resistant Materials, Food and ICT – are compulsory, with classes rotating each term. From Year 10 onwards students have the opportunity to select one of these technology areas to work in as an option subject. A computer room is available for exclusive use by the technology department.
Francois du Plessis teaches Electronics and Control Technology; the main focus of this area being robotics. Students work with electronic circuits but also use Materials Technology in the design and making of robots. Production processes include vacuum forming, welding, lathe work and circuit making.
In 2006 Francois had a combined Year 12/13 class which had 15 boys working at Level 2 and six at Level 3. After agreeing, with the support of his Head of Department, to take on the Virtual Lathe trial with his Year 13 students, Francois wanted a project that involved both Materials Technology and Electronics and Controls. He decided on a keypad operated safe since this involves complex microcontroller technology, lathe work, welding as well as spray painting. Students would also have the opportunity to use a wide range of timbers and plastic manufacturing processes.
