Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Real-World Design
It has been a truly brilliant week in the Design and Technology department — full of creative thinking, real-world challenge, and a broadening of horizons.
Our Lower Sixth pupils took part in a Dragons’ Den-style pitch. Facing the “dragons” — the School Commercial Manager, a member of our Marketing Team, the Deputy Head (Innovation) and the Deputy Head (Academic), — they explored the Sport Centre’s existing branding, services and gym facilities, and identified areas for improvement. Through stakeholder research, examination of existing products and careful iterative design, they aimed to develop commercially viable solutions. The visuals presented to the dragons combined advanced 3D CAD work, AI tools and augmented reality to bring their concepts to life. The dragons, weighed down with chocolate, invested in the ideas. The students handled tough questions with maturity and confidence. A special well done to Barney, who did the tough job of convincing Mr Law that his modern water dispenser product was more than just a tap!
The following day, Lower Sixth joined Upper Sixth product designers on a trip to London to attend the Design and Technology in Action event at the Emmanuel Centre. Pupils explored a wide range of design careers, discovering how traditional craft and materials knowledge continues to shape modern design, how 3D printing is transforming medicine, and how automotive and architectural design balance creativity with real-world impact. A particularly engaging session from Foster & Partners focused on model-making, highlighting the value of hands-on skills alongside digital tools and demonstrating how interdisciplinary thinking and empathy are central to successful design. Throughout the day, speakers emphasised passion, storytelling, and understanding people, inspiring students to appreciate the breadth and real-world relevance of design. Students came away inspired and with a broader understanding of career paths they had not previously considered.
It has been a fantastic week for our pupils, combining practical experience, innovation, and inspiration from leading figures in the design world. The department is proud of the creativity, determination, and professionalism shown by all.
C Wilkinson, Head of Design, Technology and Engineering
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