Constructive Learning through UCOL.

Constructive Learning through UCOL.

Fourteen Awatapu College students have not only built two wooden sheds under the guidance of UCOL carpentry lecturer Bruce Birrell, they have built personal pride and self esteem in the process.

The students are part of the Try a Trade programme supported by UCOL and its trade lecturers where they undertake six week rotation courses in Carpentry, Automotive, Electronics, Welding and Computer Cad Design.

In its second year, the Try a Trade programme is part of the Headstart initiative that allows a selected group of Year 11 students to receive ‘hands on’ experience in the trades.

For three days a week the students study at Awatapu College with their teacher Sarah Hearn. One day per week, the students attend classes at UCOL and spend Fridays participating in Land Based Training.

Sarah says the programme has produced pleasing academic results with all students who completed their studies last year, attaining Level 1 in NCEA. “The students thrive on the learning atmosphere at UCOL and the positive encouragement of the lecturers,” she says.

The programme has proved especially rewarding for those students who find academic studies challenging. “They are applying basic numeracy and literacy skills without realising it,” says Sarah.

UCOL Carpentry lecturer Bruce Birrell says he likes to keep the classes fun “although the students have to learn early on that there is a difference between having fun and dangerously ‘clowning around in the workshop’. There are at least two of this year’s class with real potential in carpentry that I am encouraging to return to UCOL to further their studies.”

ENDS

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