This year’s Technology Masterclass was attended by 60 Year 5 Pupils for our local primary schools.
In keeping with the ‘Space’ themed masterclass, the pupils enjoyed making rocket-style fruit kebabs. This activity encouraged a discussion around healthy eating and nutrition. Using a pillar drill, pupils then made catapult powered racing cars out of plywood.
They explored the relationship between kinetic energy and velocity. Our Year 9 Pupil Helpers did an excellent job of measuring the car speeds and facilitating some ‘wacky car races’.
On
Wednesday 15 May, 11 pupils from Year 9 formed two teams, travelled to the
Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovil and took part in the area Key Stage 3
Engineering Challenge. This trip was offered to pupils who have opted for GCSE
DT.
The
event set a complicated challenge and required pupils to work together in order
to achieve the task. Each team required a manager, construction engineer,
electronic engineer, buyer, machine operator and presenter.
The challenge set for each team was to design and build a self-levelling platform to launch aircraft from on board an aircraft carrier operating in high seas. To support this the Royal Navy built a simulator that they could switch on and would pitch and roll just like an aircraft carrier operating in stormy weather.
The picture above shows the simulator in action.
In
addition to making the stable platform, teams had to make a launch an aircraft
from the platform.
Grace and Will picture trying to figure out how to launch their aircraft.
If that’s not a big enough challenge, the team also had to design and make a remote electronic firing mechanism and circuit.
Will, Will and Liam fixing wires into their electronic firing system.
Then
came the team presentation and launch demonstration.
Both
teams gained a massive amount from their experience and managed to achieve all
the individual aspects of the challenge even if, come the launch, wires coming
out and stabilization challenges scuppered their success a little.
I
am so proud of these Year 9 pupils, they worked hard, formed cohesive teams and
were a credit to Test Valley School. The experience has undoubtedly inspired
them to the challenges at GCSE DT and I simply can’t wait to start teaching
them in September.
Holly Osbaldeston, Year 8 is on a one person mission to help save the school pool. Holly, pictured below, helped by donations from neighbours, attended a car boot sale at the weekend and raised £125 towards helping to save the school pool.
This is an impressive amount and moreover a fantastic example of selflessness.
Apparently
Holly has got the bug for car boot selling and intends to do more.
Holly certainly knows how to get the money in and must have a great sales
technique.
In addition
Holly plans to do the 20 mile 54321 walk with her grandparent to raise even
more money to help save our school.
If you are
encouraged by Holly perhaps you’d like sponsor her or even join her on the
walk.
