Design & Technology: University Taster Day Success!

Design & Technology: University Taster Day Success!


Charlotte Hewitt
Charlotte Hewitt
Design & Technology: University Taster...

We’re thrilled to share the highlights from a fantastic educational visit for our Year 12 and 13 Product Design students! Last week, our students ventured down to London South Bank University (LSBU) School of Mechanical Engineering and Design for an immersive university taster day.

The day was packed with exciting opportunities to learn about the academic and practical sides of higher education in Design and Technology.

  • Course Introduction: Students were given an insightful introduction to the various undergraduate courses available at LSBU, helping them understand the pathways open to them after A-Levels.

  • Student Showcase & Q&A: The real stars of the show were the current LSBU students! They presented their impressive project work and hosted a lively Question and Answer session, giving our students a genuine, relatable perspective on university study.

  • Workshop Tour: Our students were given a comprehensive tour of the university workshops. This offered a real feel for the resources and environment available, including the chance to see the impressive facilities used for extra-curricular activities like the Formula Drive and Speed Bike teams.

Hands-On Design Challenges

The best way to learn is by doing! Our students rolled up their sleeves for two brilliant design workshop activities:

  1. CAD and 3D Printing: Students were introduced to Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. They designed their own personalized keyrings and then got to see them brought to life using 3D printing as a wonderful souvenir to take home.

  2. Speed Racer Prototype: The competitive spirit came out for this challenge! Students had to design and create a speed racer prototype that could travel as fast and straight as possible, with the constraint of using three or more wheels. This activity really tested their understanding of aerodynamics, stability, and materials.

Inspiring Future Designers

The feedback from our students was overwhelmingly positive; they thoroughly enjoyed the chance to be university students for the day. This experience was invaluable for raising aspirations and solidifying their interest in the exciting world of Design and Technology.

We believe this trip has given them a clearer vision of where their A-Level studies can lead. We look forward to strengthening our link with LSBU and hope to make this a regular and inspiring feature of our Product Design calendar!

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