Leeds Rotary Technology Competition

On Tuesday 5th March, 8 of our best Technology students were chosen to take part in the Leeds Rotary Technology competition. The competition has been running since 2007 and is funded by local Rotary clubs and over 130 students from 14 schools across Leeds took part. We spoke to the founder of the competition, Cliff, who said he wanted students to learn hands on skills such as teamwork, problem solving and using tools. Throughout the day there were 80 volunteers from local engineering companies and Leeds University to help the students and promote STEM careers.

Students were given a task on the day to launch a space rocket using limited resources such as sticks and elastic bands. They had to work independently, as teachers were not allowed to help. Students worked well together and came up with different ideas which they tested. Although we did not win, all the students enjoyed taking part and working together.

Year 7 Drawstring Bags

Year 7 have been generating, analysing and evaluating design ideas for their drawstring bags. They have demonstrated a wide range of textiles skills, from tie-dye to applique, and extraordinary sewing techniques.

All students have been trained to use the sewing machines independently while manufacturing these amazing Circus themed drawstring bags.

Keep up the great work!

Miss Ahmed

Paper gift bags and fabric pencil cases

Year 8 students have done a brilliant job manufacturing their own pencil cases.

Students used batik dyes and wax to create a beautifully patterned base. Some then further embellished the surface of their fabric by adding block print and sequins over to top to add more detail.

They then used their exceptional sewing skills to attach a zip as a fastening method. It has been wonderful so see the pencil cases being used around school.

Keep up the great work Year 8!

Miss Ahmed

Tropical World Visit

On 8 December the Year 11 3D Design group spent the afternoon at Tropical World conducting research on animal habitats for their coursework. Everyone had a great time and the Cotton-Top Tamarin was just as fascinated by the Year 11 students as they were by it.

J Greaves

Year 8 ART project – Under the Sea

Students have been experimenting and building their ceramic skills to create these wonderful tiles.

Students used images from sea life creatures to inspire their experimentation and recreate patterns found under the sea. These are the finished pieces from 8C which are a great example of fantastic outcomes – well done 8C.

Ada Lovelace Day

This year the Creative Arts, Computing and Technologies Faculty spent a week celebrating Ada Lovelace Day (ALD) across Computing, Technology, Art and Hospitality and Catering. Ada Lovelace Day is an international celebration of the achievements of women in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). It aims to increase the profile of women in STEM and, in doing so, create new role models who will encourage more girls into STEM careers and support women already working in STEM.

Students got involved in a range of fun activities such as baking binary inspired biscuits, painting Pop Art inspired artwork of Ada Lovelace and completing computing challenges around cyber security. These activities highlighted to students some of the potential careers available to everyone in these industries and gave them a chance to put their skills to the test.

Last week saw the unexpected moment when Mr Flynn wasn’t teaching and he was able to venture into Art. Normally engaged with his own classes at this time Mr Flynn had been unable to see the wonders his students were creating, until now.

The experience was an incredibly rewarding one as he could see first hand the amazing quality of work being produced in sketchbooks. As students walked him through their work he was incredibly proud, just as they were, of the excellent standard that was being produced.

Take a look at the photos and see for yourselves. We are sure you will agree with Mr Flynn’s judgement that there is an incredible amount of talent on display in Year 10 and our artists are destined for great things.

Miss Mulcahy’s Embroidery Club allows our Year 7 students to delve into the world of hand-embroidery, accompanied by a relaxing and peaceful, yet productive, environment. The club takes place every Tuesday from 3pm-4:15pm and all Year 7 students are welcome whether they have embroidered before or not. Embroidery hoops, fabric, thread and needles are provided, however, Miss Mulcahy encourages students to bring in an old, pre-loved jumper or t-shirt from home to embroider on. Through upcycling old clothing in this way, it not only gives old clothes a new life, but it also educates our Year 7s on the importance of sustainable fashion and how this benefits the environment.

The club serves many purposes alongside giving students a project to work on which they can take home and keep. For example, research suggests that hand-embroidery benefits well-being and mood due to how soothing, meditative and relaxing the process is. Secondly, the act of embroidering promotes skills such as patience, resilience, hand-eye coordination and design and planning; techniques that students can build on and use in later life. In addition to this, the club provides students with another extracurricular opportunity to socialise and spend their time with like-minded peers, giving them a positive end to their school day. Miss Mulcahy is already very impressed with the designs and the embroidering that she has seen so far and is extremely excited to see what they can produce in the future.

Year 8 printing lesson, which was inspired by Henri Rousseau.

The students made the printing blocks and dyed their materials earlier in the year.

Then in last week’s lesson they used material printing ink to print onto their dyed fabric. This will then be manufactured into a cushion with an applique design.

Keep a look out for further updates and photos of the finished cushions.