Year 8 pupils discover careers of the future with 3D printing workshop

Sixty Year 8 pupils were selected by Head of ICT & Computer Science, Mrs Qadri, to take part in an exciting #InspiringLancashire project last Thursday, funded by BAE Systems. 

Priory was given a 3D printer as part of the link-up and we have worked with CREATE Education to deliver the school-based 3D Printing Workshop Day. Mrs Qadri had taken part in a training day at CREATE Education in Chorley and part of the project was that BAE Systems, through CREATE, will offer 60 Year 8 students a 3D Printing Workshop Day as well as a day of careers advice. 

“BAE Systems want to create more jobs in the future in the Lancashire area and they hope, by training pupils on such items as 3D printers and show how they are used in their business, this will give them an understanding of the careers available to them and the chance to stay in Lancashire for the jobs," said Mrs Qadri. 

At the Workshop, the pupils designed a mini rocket ship and printed it as well as learnt simple CAD/CAM skills.” 

Year 8 Sophie said, "I found the day and its tasks very fun.  The designing on Onshape for the rocket was challenging at some points but I eventually got the hang of it. I would try to 3D print again if I have another chance."

Lily E added, "I really enjoyed the workshop today, it made me think about what 3D printing is and how useful it is. I know a lot more about it now and in addition the practical work (launching rockets) was fun and showed that 3D was even able to make launchable rockets!"

Jacob and Noah agreed, it was "Super engaging and fun" and "Such fun, I learnt so many interesting things." 

Muhammed B, said, "Today was a very good day. I have done lots of stuff with 3D printing. There are lots of jobs to do with 3D printing like engineering, food and even hospitals. We did rocket experiments outside. It was lots of fun!"

Students were working at a much faster pace than when we ran the event last year and they even managed to personalise their rocket ships with their names.

"I will have a big job to get all their designs 3D printed in different colours over the next few weeks," said Mrs Qadri.

Now that students have developed their design skills, they will also be taking part in an Inspiring Lancashire Challenge Project where they will have to design a prototype product (or a part for a product) that will either: 

help in one small way to improve the environment in or around a local waterway (river, canal, lake or sea) or 
improve the habitat for one or more species of local wildlife.

Look out for more information about this project in the Autumn term.