Waihi’s Education Centre set for another busy year
During 2016 the Education Centre at OceanaGold Waihi catered for almost 7,000 visitors, ranging from pre-school toddlers to PhD students.
Originally established over 15 years ago, the Ed. Centre has progressively grown in size, scope, and resourcing, and now features up to date technology. The facility is equipped with a Smartboard, video cameras with green screen, iPods for reading QR codes, computer work stations, and a simulated underground area which includes a full size video projection system and surround sound audio. Skype facilities are also available for schools unable to visit.
The Ed. Centre provides the company with the opportunity to ‘open our gates’ to students – and equally importantly their parents and teachers – as we explain what we do, how and why.
Phil Salmon is Education Officer at Waihi. He is a trained and certificated teacher. He explains the philosophy and practice which underpins the facility.
‘By providing factual, current, relevant and unbiased information, we counter misinformation and misunderstanding. By presenting and delivering the material in an up to date way and using appropriate technology we ensure that students are interested and engaged.’
‘A typical session at the Ed. Centre for primary school students could include visiting the ‘underground’, joining an activity circuit that includes gold panning and a site tour. It’s all about explaining how we find gold and silver, how we get it out of the ground, and what we use it for.’
Phil says that secondary school students’ activities are closely linked to specific curriculum areas, and that teachers and students have often done a considerable amount of research before they arrive.
‘We cover aspects of biology, chemistry, social sciences, geography, technology and more’, explains Phil, ‘and we also structure our material to encourage the key competencies that students are developing. Everything we use in our society is either grown or mined. Students need to understand that.’
Bookings for 2017 are already filling fast.
Originally established over 15 years ago, the Ed. Centre has progressively grown in size, scope, and resourcing, and now features up to date technology. The facility is equipped with a Smartboard, video cameras with green screen, iPods for reading QR codes, computer work stations, and a simulated underground area which includes a full size video projection system and surround sound audio. Skype facilities are also available for schools unable to visit.
The Ed. Centre provides the company with the opportunity to ‘open our gates’ to students – and equally importantly their parents and teachers – as we explain what we do, how and why.
Phil Salmon is Education Officer at Waihi. He is a trained and certificated teacher. He explains the philosophy and practice which underpins the facility.
‘By providing factual, current, relevant and unbiased information, we counter misinformation and misunderstanding. By presenting and delivering the material in an up to date way and using appropriate technology we ensure that students are interested and engaged.’
‘A typical session at the Ed. Centre for primary school students could include visiting the ‘underground’, joining an activity circuit that includes gold panning and a site tour. It’s all about explaining how we find gold and silver, how we get it out of the ground, and what we use it for.’
Phil says that secondary school students’ activities are closely linked to specific curriculum areas, and that teachers and students have often done a considerable amount of research before they arrive.
‘We cover aspects of biology, chemistry, social sciences, geography, technology and more’, explains Phil, ‘and we also structure our material to encourage the key competencies that students are developing. Everything we use in our society is either grown or mined. Students need to understand that.’
Bookings for 2017 are already filling fast.