Thanks to support from Mercury NZ’s staff community fund, Orewa College has secured Epro8 equipment to strengthen hands-on science and engineering learning for Years 7 and 8.

New EPro8 starter kit expands opportunities for young engineers at Orewa College

With support from the Mercury NZ Staff Community Fund, Orewa College has purchased an EPro8 starter electronics kit and protective case to strengthen science and engineering learning for Year 7 and 8 ākonga.

The new equipment will allow students to explore electronics and mechanical systems including circuits, motors, controls and lighting. Having a dedicated kit at school means practical learning can now take place across the year, rather than being limited to short preparation periods.

The equipment will support Orewa College teams preparing for the EPro8 Challenge, a nationwide science and engineering competition involving more than 35,000 students across Aotearoa. Teams design, build and solve real world engineering problems under time pressure.

Year 8 teacher Nicola Smits says the grant will create lasting opportunities for students.

“We can turn short bursts of inspiration into a year round culture of creativity and problem solving at Orewa College.”

Students will continue to hire additional equipment for the school’s internal Year 7 and 8 EPro8 competition each year. The new kit will help interschool teams practise with electronic components they previously did not have access to, helping ensure they are well prepared for competition.

Orewa College thanks Mercury NZ for supporting opportunities that expand what is possible for our ākonga.

Content credit: Nicola Smits, Erin Potgieter