A one-of-a-kind Makerspace

Baradene College of the Sacred Heart has a one-of-a-kind Makerspace. It is a space for all students and subject areas to utilise high-tech equipment such as a laser cutter, 3D printers, vinyl cutters, vacuum formers, green screen room and CADcapable computers.

During our planning phase, the most vital piece of equipment on our list was a large laser cutter.

Our requirements included: A large cutting bed, speedy cutting and engraving, safe to use around students, and reliability. Makerspace NZ delivered the perfect machine for our Makerspace and met all the requirements listed above. The installation and PLD took a day and within a few weeks, we were running the Genesis G139L every day. The speed combined with ease of use, made the laser cutter perfect for running single lesson activities, right up to Term long projects.

Our students are using CAD to make small projects such as candle holders, right up to 3D topographic maps and scale models of buildings. We’ve put through plywood, pine, acrylic, cork, cardboard, paper and felt. The accuracy of the equipment means that we rarely need to re-cut, which leads to less wastage and a quick turnaround. Our students use the laser cutter in their own time and leave with a piece that they can show off to their peers and gift to their friends and whānau.

Every success story is made up of many stages. Ours started when the Makerspace truck made its first delivery to our School. The laser cutter was the first piece of equipment installed and the one that gets the most requests from staff and students. We’ve had Year 7s right up to our Baradene College Sister (93 years old) using the laser cutter!