Yet again this year's GCSE and A Level students
produced a stunning array of exceptional products
as part of their major projects. Despite still being in
their infancy here, the limits of our CNC plasma cutter
and powerful laser cutter have been thoroughly explored by
the students: testing, experimenting, modelling, refining, and
manufacturing in new, exciting and creative ways. The projects
on show here are just a small cross section of the innovative and
often commercially viable products that we have been privileged
to witness taking shape this year.
Our exceptionally well-equipped workshop gained another
valuable asset this year, generously donated by the Farrington
family. The car lift has enabled students to delve even deeper into
car mechanics, allowing them to work through many complex
procedures that would be impossible without having the vehicle
suspended. Both John and Charlie Farrington studied Design
Technology at King's, at both GCSE and A-level.
A special Design Technology Horizon lecture was given to the
Sixth Form by product designer and entrepreneur Rob Law. Rob
shot to fame when he presented his design for children's ride-on
luggage, Trunki, on the BBC's Dragons' Den. He has since built
a thriving business based on his ideas. Rob's lecture (the story
behind Trunki) was an inspirational tale of how, despite significant
setbacks, persistence and self-belief can triumph. However, he
also touched on a number of key design issues, including the
damaging effects of fake products, and design theft, both of which
are a never-ending problem for Trunki.
DT in Action
Pupils have visited some inspiring places this year. Trips to
Morgan Motorcars in Malvern and Jaguar in Castle Bromwich
were a complete contrast to one another, demonstrating to
students how two very different approaches to manufacture can
both be successful. Morgan enabled 6.2 students to view familiar
tools and materials seen in our workshop being used by craftsmen
to skilfully hand-build bespoke cars - whereas the sheer scale
of automated production of the Jaguar XF was an eye-opening
experience of modern manufacturing systems.
6.1 also had a taste of modern manufacture in context,
visiting Numatic International Ltd, who put a smile in vacuum
cleaning, or at least on their vacuum cleaners! Best known for
manufacturing the famous 'Henry,' they are a fantastic example
of how manufacturing is very much alive and kicking in the UK,
The Cutting Edge
By Jason Grindle
The new car lift
Toby Johnson with his Ipod Speaker, GCSE
Design Technology
The Design Technology year was one of acquisitions,
awaydays and awards
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