Queen’s High School has, for the first time, offered its students hard materials and product design as a subject.
The school decided to offer the subject to give its young women a space to explore the trades.
Teacher Stefan Reussenzehn said he had formerly taught at an all-boys school and, while it was different teaching the subject to girls, he was enjoying it.
"This is the exciting part that this is offered at a girls’ school.
"It’s about empowering young women and it’s about giving them confidence to use tools."
Year 10 students Rosie Grounds, Miika Phillips and Margaux Damaso were among the first intake of hard materials and product design students at Queen’s.
Rosie was enjoying applying her skills to make toys for the Queen’s Preschool.
She said it was a nice way to use her creativity.
Miika said she enjoyed being able to create things rather than just sitting down and learning as she did in other classes.
Margaux said she enjoyed the hands-on side of projects.
"It makes me learn more."
She said while she was not looking for a job in the trades in particular, it was good to know how to use tools.
"I do love the idea of being able to know how to use the tools and when I’m older, have a house [and] know how to fix it."
