Last week, the D&T Scholarship group embarked on a visit to the DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) Department at Harrow School for an engaging workshop.
The pupils received an extensive tour of the department, gaining insight into a diverse array of cutting-edge manufacturing processes, machinery, and CAD software applications. The demonstrated techniques included pewter casting, laser cutting, Onshape for 3D model creation, 3D printing, operation of a lathe, a milling machine, and a CNC router.
During the visit, the pupils actively participated in hands-on activities that included designing and laser cutting festive decorations, creating personalised keychains through the pewter casting process in the Foundry, and a product-making group challenge and each pupil received a 3D printed Santa.
The facilities at Harrow School left a profound impression on the pupils, making it a remarkable and eye-opening experience to witness D&T in a secondary school setting.
The trip was a resounding success, with every pupil thoroughly enjoying the opportunity and creating lasting memories. Subsequently, each member of the D&T Scholarship group took the time to reflect and document their individual experiences from this remarkable trip.
Miss Sandy Ni’Man
Head of Design & Technology
Pupils’ Experiences:
What did you do on the D&T trip?
On our DTE trip to Harrow School (Design, Technology and Engineering) firstly, we went to a classroom to make a design (on either a square, circle or hexagon template) which were first roughly drawn in pencil and outlined with a fineliner. This would later be scanned into a computer and laser cut onto acrylic plastic. Then, we went to the Foundry where we were shown the process of how to mould some metal (in this case being pewter). Then we went and cut the same pewter mould which was premade with a junior hacksaw. After cutting it we filed and then polished it with steel wool and drilled a hole in it where we later put a keychain through it. Lastly, we explored the DTE department, seeing many cool products and even speaking to some of the pupils. We luckily got to take away our laser cut designs, our pewter keychains and some 3D printed Santas.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
A new skill I learned on this trip is how to use a junior hacksaw to cut metal. I also learned how to mould metal and how a lot of the machines work and how to use them. Some of these machines consist of laser cutters and a CNC router.
What was the highlight of the trip?
The highlight of the trip was exploring the DTE department, and cutting and polishing the pewter moulds. The reason I enjoyed exploring the DTE department was because there were many different projects from GCSE all the way up to A Level all on display which on some, we had an explanation on what they did. Also, whilst exploring, we were able to talk to some of the pupils at Harrow who were there and working on projects. They had some interesting points to say and I enjoyed talking to them about the DTE department at Harrow.
What will you take away from this experience?
I will take away many ideas from this trip such as: skills I learned, new information and looking at many pupils’ past projects which will all help me in the future with Design, Technology and Engineering.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes, I would definitely do this trip again as the DTE department was very cool and had a lot of technology I had never seen before. I also learned many new skills and knowledge. Overall I found this trip to be very fun and interesting.
Aidan, Year 8
What did you do on the D&T trip?
We went on a trip to Harrow School’s DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department on a Thursday afternoon. Firstly, we had a tour around the whole of the DTE department. I was amazed and excited to see it. It looked like a palace of wonders and amazement. I couldn’t believe my eyes. They had a Foundry, where they forged metals, like pewter. We made a keyring out of pewter by using a ready-made moulded pewter cast, then cut off the end. Then we filed it down and made a hole to make the key chain. We then went to a classroom to design an ornament. The penultimate task we did was learn more about 3D printing. We learnt how the machine works, and how graphics work. We also learnt about a software called Onshape, where you could see possible flaws and test how hard and easily products could break. We also had a 3D printed Santa to take home with us. Last, but not least, we designed and created in groups a dispenser, where we had to dispense coca cola every hour.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
I was lucky enough to witness and learn from the teacher who melted the pewter, and carefully poured it into the mould. This showed me how to work with metal.
What was the highlight of the trip?
My highlight of the trip was when we went into the Foundry. This is why I want to go to Harrow School now, because the keychain was honestly the coolest product I have ever made!
What will you take away from this experience?
I will take away, not only the physical skills we gained, but the knowledge, and the fun experience Harrow School had offered.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes, because before I had never experienced anything like it!
Benjamin, Year 7
What did you do on the D&T trip?
Firstly, we met the teachers that teach in the DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department at Harrow School. We were given a tour of the DTE department by the Head of DTE. He showed us around many of their classrooms and their uses as well as showing us most of their machines. Secondly, we were shown into one of the classrooms and we designed our own decorations that were then sent to be cut on a laser cutter. Thereafter, we were led to the Foundry and made our own keyrings out of a metal called pewter. They melted and moulded it for us and we used a junior hacksaw to cut some of the top off. We filed it down, drilled a hole through it and polished it using steel wool. Once we finished with that they gave us a 3D printed Santa and talked to us about the 3D printers. We were later shown around the projects that they are currently working on and the previous projects by GCSE and A Level pupils. Many of the projects that they do each year include the F1 in Schools project where a team representing a school design an F1 car and try to get the fastest speed when they blast it down the track with a CO2 canister. They also do another national competition, Greenpower, where they have to make an electric go kart and race each other round a track. Finally, the Head of DTE gave us a challenge to test our creativity and teamwork skills. We had to create a coca cola dispenser that dispenses one cola can an hour out of cardboard and masking tape. We worked together in two different groups to complete this challenge.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
I learned about how a Foundry works as well as a laser cutter and a CNC router. I also learned how to use many of these machines and the safety precautions you need to know when using them.
What was the highlight of the trip?
My favourite part of the trip was when we made and polished the keyrings that were made in the Foundry, because it was very interesting to watch it being casted.
What will you take away from this experience?
I will take away lots more knowledge about Harrow School’s DTE department and about how to use a variety of machines.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes, I would certainly do this trip again!
Samuel, Year 7
What did you do on the D&T trip?
We went to Harrow School’s DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) workshop which included a Foundry and a huge building full of advanced DTE machines such as laser cutters, a CNC router and the latest 3D printers. We got a full tour of the building as well as getting to design an ornament that was cut out by a laser cutter. We also witnessed a teacher use a welding torch to melt a type of metal, pewter. We also had the chance to cut the cooled pewter after it hardened in a wooden mould with a junior hacksaw. After, we then polished the pewter with steel wool. In my opinion, the activities we did were so much fun.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
I learned to use a CAD software called Onshape when we were looking at the CAD models the teacher had made and I also learned how to drill a hole in metal with an electric drill.
What was the highlight of the trip?
For me, the highlight of the trip was getting the chance to witness a teacher use a welding torch and melt metal right in front of me and pour the melted metal into a mould with their DTE logo on it.
What will you take away from this experience?
I will take away lots of interesting new knowledge that I learned from the information the teacher told us as well as a few new skills such as learning how to use Onshape.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes, I would love to experience this trip again as I learned a lot of interesting knowledge, such as pewter casting and I loved the challenge we got at the end of the day to make a vending machine!
Arav, Year 7
What did you do on the D&T trip?
We went to Harrow School’s DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department. We had a tour of the amazing department, then we were shown the software where they create 3D models called Onshape, and I saw a variety of 3D printers. We watched one of the teachers show us the techniques in the Foundry, and with those techniques we created our own pewter casted keyring. We also drew a design on paper and then the laser cutter cut it out on a piece of acrylic.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
We learnt about a laser cutter and how to use a lathe machine, using a piece of wood and you would use a chisel whilst it spins.
What was the highlight of the trip?
My highlight of the trip was the Foundry, because it’s really unique to have a school that offers that facility. A Foundry is where a blacksmith would be able to do their metal casting.
What will you take away from this experience?
I learnt how to pewter cast and digital modelling, and how to use a laser cutter. I loved learning these skills.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes, I found this trip so interesting and learning about how they created a car and raced it in the Greenpower competitions against other schools. Thank you Miss Ni’Man for organising this trip for us, it was really fun.
Alex, Year 7
What did you do on the D&T trip?
We went to Harrow School to see their DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department. We got to make our own keychain, design our own christmas decorations on a piece of paper which was then copied onto a computer and then was cut out on the laser cutter. We even visited the Foundry which is a place where you can do metal work. I also used a junior hacksaw to cut pewter and we also used a file to even off the edges and then we used steel wool to polish it. The last thing we did was a group challenge where we had to try and make a mechanism that slowly released coke cans once every hour which was fun.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
I learnt that you could use a junior hacksaw to not only use it to cut wood, but also to cut metal. I also learnt that in Harrow they design lots of cars such as a go kart for the Greenpower competition, a formula one car which they make themselves and they are mini and they also made a hologram of the cars themselves. Last but not least, I enjoyed watching the laser cutter do its work and it was very satisfying to see it work because it had effortlessly cut through the acrylic.
What was the highlight of the trip?
The highlight of the trip for me would probably be having a look around Harrow’s DTE department and seeing their current projects such as an electric skateboard that was halfway through
being completed. I also enjoyed their sweet dispenser which was very cool to see the amazing ideas the Harrow pupils have created.
What will you take away from this experience?
I will definitely not forget the amazing time I had at Harrow School, thanks to Miss Ni’Man for arranging the trip for us. Also, there were a lot of saws and machines that were really interesting to see.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes I would! It was a brilliant experience and I hope to do it again.
Chase, Year 8
What did you do on the D&T trip?
Firstly, we had a tour of the DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department at Harrow School. I got to draw an ornament design on paper which got scanned into the computer. It was sent to a laser cutter to be cut out of acrylic. The laser cutter was excellent at cutting fine details. We saw their Foundry and witnessed a piece of pewter being melted down and formed into a keyring. I then got to make a pewter keyring by cutting off the excess and filing it down so it was smooth and then polished it with steel wool. We also saw the Greenpower racing team and F1 in Schools.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
I learnt about what happens in the Foundry and how they melt the metal and then form it into the most intricate of shapes.
What was the highlight of the trip?
My highlight of the trip was seeing the Foundry as I have never seen a Foundry, certainly not when it was working, melting metal and then forming into new shapes.
What will you take away from this experience?
I will take away the memories of seeing all of the 3D printers and other machines because some of them I never would have dreamed of seeing.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes, it was a very exciting and engaging trip and it exceeded my expectations because I thought I was just going to have a tour of their DTE department and that was it, but I actually was able to use some of the tools and machines. I would definitely do this trip again!
Daniel, Year 7
What did you do on the D&T trip?
On the trip we had a tour of Harrow School’s DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department, and saw some of the machines such as laser cutters, 3D printers, disc sanders and a milling machine. We also saw a Greenpower car, and went to the Foundry where we had a demonstration of how to melt metal, the technique called pewter casting. We made keyrings with a junior hacksaw, drilled a hole in them with an electric drill and then polished them with steel wool. We also designed and laser cut acrylic decorations. We did this by drawing out a design on a template then outlining with a fineliner, then the design was cut out on the laser cutter. We also got a mini 3D printed santa. We got to see new machines that I have never seen before and we got to make a keyring and a decoration to take home.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
We learnt about the pillar drills, disc sanders, laser cutters, and the Foundry.
What was the highlight of the trip?
Probably seeing the Foundry, making the Christmas decorations and keyrings. Everything to be honest!
What will you take away from this experience?
I will take away how metal is casted in a Foundry and to try and make a Greenpower car.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes, definitely because I found the tour very interesting and I got to use different materials and see a Foundry for the first time.
Eashan, Year 6
What did you do on the D&T trip?
On the trip, we went to Harrow School’s DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department. There, we were given a tour of the building. During the tour, we stopped at different machines and working areas. For example, we looked around the Foundry and made our own keyring out of pewter, which we then got to take home. We got to see lots of 3D printers, which were printing mini Santa ornaments and we got one each. We each also designed a decoration that was laser cut. At the end of the trip, we were divided into two teams and each team was to design a coke dispenser to dispense a drink every hour.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
We learned that using a blowtorch to melt pewter must be heated between 200-300 degrees.
What was the highlight of the trip?
The highlight of the trip was when we made our own keyring out of pewter by sawing off the top part of the pewter cast and filing around the edges, then using steel wool to make the back and front of the keyring look shinier.
What will you take away from this experience?
I will take away the Greenpower and F1 projects as I would like to do these in my secondary school.
Would you do this trip again?
I would definitely do this trip again as we learned a lot of new skills and knowledge, and the trip was very fun.
Robert, Year 7
What did you do on the D&T trip?
First we had a tour of the Harrow School DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department facilities. We then did our first activity of pewter casting. We cut off the excess pewter and filed the edges and made it into a keychain. We then designed an ornament on paper so that it could then be cut out on acrylic on the laser cutter. Whilst we waited for our ornaments we learnt about Harrow’s Greenpower project and how they built the electric racing car for it which they do in sixth form. We all then got an additional gift which was a 3D printed Santa claus. The teacher also taught us about their CAD software they use called Onshape. We were then told about the expectations for a Harrow School scholarship. Soon after we had some time to explore the department and have a look at different projects. We were then called to a classroom to do another activity where we had to make a prototype of a cola dispenser.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
I learnt about blacksmithing, using Onshape, 3D printers, junior hacksaw, files on metals, and how melting metals and using moulds work.
What was the highlight of the trip?
My highlight of the trip was watching the teacher melt the pewter with a blow torch and pour it into a mould. I found the trip to be great.
What will you take away from this experience?
I now know what happens in a Foundry, what you’re expected to do at GCSE in D&T and how to make a keychain out of pewter.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes, I would very much do it again because of all the different machinery that the school has access to. I also really enjoyed the coca cola task that we took part in.
Rahul, Year 8
What did you do on the D&T trip?
Firstly, we went to Harrow School for a tour around their DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department. It was interesting to see how our D&T department would look like at a future school. We got to cut using a junior hacksaw some pewter so it was in the shape of a keyring and filed it, then polished it with steel wool and drilled a hole in it for the keychain. We got to have a look at the laser cutter and how it worked. We got to design and make our own decorations which were laser cut out of acrylic. We learned what a Foundry is for metal like blacksmithing and turning metal into liquid and moulding it into a shape such as the keyrings we made. We also got to design a cola can dispenser as a group challenge at the end which was really fun.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
We learned about the laser cutter and I was very surprised how detailed it turned out. I also found out what a Foundry is, but now I know that it is mostly for metal and that is where our pewter keyrings were casted using a mould.
What was the highlight of the trip?
My highlight of the trip was cutting the pewter keyring with a junior hacksaw, filing it, polishing it and finally drilling the hole through it for the chain.
What will you take away from this experience?
I took away new information about other pupils’ GCSE projects and what top marks look like in a portfolio, and also learned about what a foundry is.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes I definitely would because it was very fun learning about different materials, different machines and different techniques used for making products.
Oliver, Year 8
What did you do on the D&T trip?
We visited Harrow school’s DTE (Design, Technology and Engineering) department. We made keyrings, laser cut decorations, and got to use materials such as pewter and acrylic. We got to use machines and tools including 3D printers, laser cutters, junior hacksaws, files and steel wool. My favourite task was the coke can competition where we had to make using cardboard and other recycled materials a coke can dispenser that had to dispense a can every hour when it was filled up with 6 coke cans.
What new skills, machines did you learn about?
I learned about how to use a Foundry and how to work with metals, which was very interesting. I also realised that I was able to use my woodwork skills in the keychain project.
What was the highlight of the trip?
The highlight was using the laser cutter which I had never used before.
What will you take away from this experience?
I will take away working with metal in the Foundry, and using a laser cutter. I loved learning new skills.
Would you do this trip again?
Yes I would do it again, it was very productive and enjoyable. I would recommend it for a fellow D&T lover. I wanted to say thank you to all the staff from Harrow School and to Miss Ni’Man for organising the trip.
Harry , Year 7
See all our photos from the day here:
