From pixels to reality: Priory pupils embrace 3D printing

Mrs Qadri’s 3D Printing Club has certainly captured the imagination of Priory pupils!

Head of ICT and Computer Science Mrs Qadri began the 3D Printing Club for all year groups in September, and it’s every Friday lunch time in HEX1.

Priory received the 3D printer from BAE Systems.

Mrs Qadri said: “BAE, working with CREATE Education, wanted pupils to be able to use a 3D printer so they were trained up and ready to go if, for example, they did move onto BAE as some of our pupils do.

“The 3D Printing Club has a lot of interest and it’s a new skill for a lot of our pupils. They have made key rings and are now designing their own products. They can make solid products as well as flexible ones. It's really popular."

One pupil, Nathan, made a castle and moat as part of the Year 7 History competition using the 3D printer.

Nathan said: “It took 12 hours and 53 minutes to make it! It had to be left overnight and I did learn some valuable lessons as my design needed sharpening up a bit but I was pleased with the final outcome.”

Sravani said: “3D printing is fascinating. You learn different things and it’s amazing to watch something from a computer programme become real life. Computing is one of my favourite subjects.

“I made a key ring for my mum and now want to make one for my lanyard.”

Year 11 AJ said: “The 3D printer is cool. It’s something which interests me and it’s about learning new and useful skills.”