It has been an incredibly busy and creative term in the Design and Technology department. Our Year 7 students have been journeying back in time to explore Ancient Cultures, using history as inspiration to design and manufacture their very own bespoke pewter cast keyrings.

The project has been a fantastic opportunity for students to blend traditional workshop skills with modern industrial processes.

The design journey began on the computers, where students used Computer-Aided Design (CAD) to sketch out intricate acrylic windows. These digital designs were then brought to life using Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAM) to precision-cut the vibrant acrylic inserts on the laser cutter.

Next came the hands-on workshop experience:

• Mould Making: Students carefully crafted and prepared multi-layered MDF moulds to house their designs.

• The Cast: Under close supervision, students watched their designs quite literally come to life as molten pewter was poured into their custom moulds.

• The Finishing Touches: True craftsmanship takes patience. Students spent focused sessions using files and varying grades of glass paper to smooth out rough edges and polish their metalwork to a mirror shine.

• Assembly: Finally, students mastered the pillar drill to create the fixing hole, before assembling the final piece.

We are incredibly proud of how safely, creatively, and resiliently the students handled the workshop machinery and tools. Every Year 7 student now has a high quality, durable keyring to take home and use. Keep an eye out for these brilliant pieces of history hanging from school bags this week!

Mrs Hewitt Design and Technology Department