Once again, the DT Summer Exhibition brought together pupils, parents, and staff in the Design and Technology Department to celebrate the final work of our A-level and GCSE students.
In the Upper Sixth, students undertook self-directed, client-focused projects, resulting in an engaging and diverse collection of final pieces. Highlights included an extendable oak kitchen bench with built-in storage, a professional photographer’s studio caddy, a point-of-sale bottle glorifier for Hattiers Rum, and a seesaw that generates electricity for Cameron’s Orphanage in Zambia, to name just a few. As they look ahead, most students in the class are preparing to continue their design studies at university with courses that include Interior Design, Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, and courses coupled with Innovation. We wish them every success in their next chapter.
For GCSE, pupils responded to three exam board themes, supporting charities, reducing waste, and products to help in the home, developing their own design brief and solution within these contexts. The range of outcomes was impressive, from Art Deco-inspired home storage cabinets and swimming pool equipment tidies, to a gift-wrapping station, showcasing both creativity and practical problem-solving.
Lower Sixth students were set an ambitious architectural challenge: to design a pavilion stadium for the College within a fictional £5 million budget. Their work was supported by valuable industry insight, including visits to both the AMEX Stadium and Lord’s Cricket Ground, where MCC Estates Director Robert Ebdon shared his expertise on planning and costings. Students also benefited from a design workshop with architect Mike Lawless of LA Architects, which encouraged a wide range of creative responses.
After 20 years, the ‘Stadium Project’, originally established by Mr Higgins in collaboration with Robert Ebdon, has now reached its conclusion. This year’s Lower Sixth cohort was the final group to present their architectural proposals as part of this long-standing initiative, showcasing impressive creativity and technical understanding. We extend our sincere thanks to Robert, Mike, and the many industry professionals who have contributed over the years. Their involvement has made this one of the Department’s longest-running and most successful collaborations, inspiring hundreds of past Design students.
Congratulations to all students who exhibited their work. Their dedication throughout the NEA, and particularly the focus and craftsmanship shown during manufacture in the Lent Term, have culminated in a striking and varied exhibition that reflects the strength of Design and Technology at the College.
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