Author:

Mrs Coules - Coordinator of Learning for Design and Technology

Made in Bluewater - Design Competition

In January a group of year 10 students visited Bluewater to take part in the annual Landsec 'Made In' Challenge. Students were briefed to design a community space for one of the retail units at the centre. They would then have 6 weeks before they would have to return to the centre for their pitch. 

The groups did a fantastic job against the Leigh UTC and were all commended for their attention to detail in their presentations.

Feedback from the judging panel was fantastic, feedback included comments such as; 

"Spot on, no one is currently doing this" for The Quarry, "An innovative idea to solve a real-world problem – vandalism and graffiti and providing a safe space for young people after school. The team had really thought in depth about the concept and the product as well as their limitations– selling merchandise through teamwork with other stores."

"A really well through-through idea that meets the needs of a considerable number of our guests and their families, especially those with additional needs. Themed sensory areas are appealing and fun. The research into suitable staff was well presented." about The Village

"This group had thought carefully about their potential client group, making it alcohol free and making the link between socialising and sports events. The idea of all mechanical gym equipment kept the concept sustainable and using loyalty cards and competitions was well considered" for Sports Spot.

KS3 Update

Lots of groups have reached their final week in the current rotation and have manufactured some amazing products.

Year 7 have learnt a lot of new skills whilst making their story bag toy; they have enjoyed tie dying, block printing, sawing, drilling, sanding and using CAD.

Year 8 have built upon existing skills and learnt some new ones too whilst making their steady hand game; they have enjoyed routing, drilling, soldering, vacuum forming and using CAD.

Year 9 have shown some great resilience learning to read engineering drawings to manufacture and develop their sweet dispensers.

Some groups in all year groups have additionally completed their project in the food room, making a range of dishes such as swiss rolls, cinnamon buns, yoghurt based pizza, quiche, pasta salad and rock cakes. This has allowed students to explore adapting recipes, flavours and seasonality. Students have been able to build on their practical skills for each cook and they are becoming more and more independent with each cook!

All of our Engineering students demonstrated so much commitment to their coursework and we are proud of each and everyone one of them!