"The possibilities are endless," says Stratford Primary School principal David Cripps of the school's new 3D printer.
Earlier in the year the school was provided a 3D printer through an Education Ministry scheme. The printer uses a biodegradable polymer to print three-dimensional objects from templates downloaded from a free software programme.
Orion McGeoch (12) loves to use the printer. "We used it for our Build a Business project, making key rings and selling them at our stall." Orion says that he loves using the software to see all the things that can be printed. He adds however, that each different design can take a while to print, "things can take between two and four hours to print, which feels like forever".
The next step for the students will be learning to design creations of their own to stretch the children's thinking and creativity.
David adds that the combination of maths and design really engages the students.