At the end of January, our Lower Sixth Design and Technology students unveiled the culmination of five months of dedicated work on their ambitious stadia projects. This year’s cohort has been exceptionally fortunate. Few schools can offer students such sustained access to industry professionals, and it is this partnership that continues to position Design and Technology as a leading subject for authentic, real-world learning.
Working from a live architectural brief, students engaged in site visits around the College, to Lord’s Cricket Ground, and the AMEX Stadium, and received regular input from practising experts, whose guidance shaped every stage of development. The project reached its high point when our visiting specialists, founding director of LA Architects, Mike Lawless, Estates Director at Lord’s Cricket Ground, Robert Ebdon, and project client, Mr Mott, returned to the College to review and critique the final designs.
The presentation evening was full of energy as Lower Sixth students delivered confident, well-considered explanations of their stadia concepts. Each student presented directly to visiting industry experts, whose feedback both praised the strength of the work and encouraged students to think about how their ideas could progress beyond the workshop. Despite working from the same brief, the diverse interpretations showcased the independence, creativity, and problem-solving that DT fosters so effectively. The judges noted the exceptional standard on display, marking a clear step forward for the cohort as they continue to grow as emerging designers and architects.
This year’s top accolade went to Edward H, chosen as the judges’ favourite for his imaginative and well-resolved Wolstonbury Pavilion, earning him the title of Designer of the Month. Fred I and Arlo B were named Highly Commended by Mrs Lawrence and Mr MacDonald for their innovative work.
The architectural models reflect not only the talent of our students, but also the unique opportunities DT provides, offering real-world design experiences rarely available at school level. This project also serves as a strong stepping stone for those beginning to consider future pathways in design, architecture, or engineering.
