Last week, as a lead up to a new Social Studies unit, the Year 8 boys at the Boys’ School had an opportunity to engage with industry leaders in a conference-style setting. The title was ‘The Impact Technology has had on Society,’ with a specific focus on the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes, especially in industry. The conference was intended as an ‘igniter’ for their new unit, however, it created more than just a mere ‘spark’ of interest. The presenters included parents, both past and present, as well as guests to our school from Facteon and Fisher and Paykel.

The morning keynote speaker was, past parent, Philip Ivanier, who built the first eco-friendly house in New Zealand and claimed that he is ‘a nerd and proud of it!’ Mr Ivanier worked at Apple in the early days and said that, ‘cannot or not possible’ was not part of their vocabulary. He had a wealth of knowledge to share with our boys saying that innovation happens when:

• We don’t settle just for OK
• We operate in teams as equals
• No Idea is a bad Idea

The boys then split into six groups to take part in six different workshops.

Victoria Wilkes from Outline Design presented on Technology as a tool to communicate to clients the design intent and story.

Thomas Zurfluh from ABB Perspective outlined a 140 year story of global technology to electrify and automate the world.

Scott Gillett from Amazon Web Services explained how technologies such as sensor tech, machine learning / AI, robotics, payments technology, video streaming technology have impacted the workplace and, more broadly, society.

Tony Burt from East Imperial challenged the boys how to think like an entrepreneur and how technology helps us deliver our global strategy.

Andrew Sharp from Fisher and Paykel covered ‘What is technology and how does it progress?’

Lawrence Owen from Facteon gave insight into the work of a mechanical engineer do, particularly with respect to prototype design

The sessions ended with time for questions and answers, which allowed the boys to gain some deeper understanding from each of our presenters. Each workshop had the boys engrossed in the inspiring world that awaits them and sparked their curiosity to learn more.

Share this