An initiative of and promoted by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust

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Aminah Bibi Year 12, Aston University Engineering Academy Ben Hague Year 10, Aston University Engineering Academy Physics is my favourite subject because it is the science of ‘why’ and it dares to go where no other science has gone before. As I looked into options of where I could use physics, engineering kept coming up. I attended careers events and spoke to advisors, and when I went to a presentation by Aston University Engineering Academy I was excited to learn about the wide diversity of engineering sectors and potential careers. I also learnt that there are not many female engineers in the UK, and that companies are desperately trying to change this. The more I researched, the more I realised that I wanted to study engineering. I chose to apply to the UTC because it is state of the art, with engineering workshops, robotics, CAD and university standard science laboratories, which are linked directly with industry. I am studying A Level mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering and want to go on to study engineering at university. My aim is to become an engineer working in developing countries solving humanitarian problems using engineering solutions. The subjects I’m most focused on are my City and Guilds in engineering and the three science GCSEs. I particularly enjoy the practical engineering classes. They can be quite long and are challenging as the accuracy of your work is very important, but I like them because you set your own limits and we use the finite machining tools to produce parts for the things we are making. My friends and I designed and built a robot to enter the West Midlands regional final of the VEX robotics competition, last year. This is an international engineering competition for schools. Your robot has to be able to collect and transport small sacks or bean bags from a tiled floor to a raised trough in the centre of the 12ft x 12ft arena. Our robot was based on the basic grabber robot, but it had an extra joint added into the arm. We didn’t do as well as we’d hoped, and we’re now improving the robot for the next stage of the competition. Some of the time in the competition the robot has to be controlled by one of us using a remote control but part of the task is to design a robot which can operate alone in what’s called the ‘autonomous period’. We’re learning computer coding so we can preprogramme the robot to do the job on its own. 14
www.utcolleges.org Ella Pilsworth-Straw Year 12, The JCB Academy Francisco Fernandes Year 10, Hackney UTC I started at The JCB Academy in Year 10. Now I’m in the sixth form and I am very pleased that I came to the UTC. I’ve done so much more here than I could at a normal school. As well as studying a much wider range of subjects, in my first year we had a Corporate Challenge in which we had to work in teams to design and build a 4x4 vehicle. I also went on a taster course in material science at Manchester University where we looked at x-ray machines and learnt about selecting materials for fake limbs – something I would never have the chance to do elsewhere. I love the fact that everyone comes here ready to excel in business or engineering or their chosen subject and there are so many great opportunities, like working with teachers from the school and from industry, as well as meeting people who will open doors for me when I am older. I plan on going to university to study biomedical engineering. I would love to study abroad at some point in my education as I think it is a great experience, I am especially intrigued by a Swedish university that does an MEng in biomedical engineering once you have got your BEng. After this I would like to pursue a career in biomedical engineering. The digital technologies specialist lessons at Hackney UTC focus on computer science and creative digital media, including infrastructure design and support. We learn in state-of-the-art facilities, using specialist IT equipment, cameras, lighting, mobile virtual studio equipment and creative digital media labs. We work on Digital Technologies Projects every term. I chose from an incredibly interesting list which included working with Avanti on satellite technology, working with BT on digital technology applications, creating animations and 3D logos for the entertainment business, and designing my own app with App Shed. Being one of the students in the first year of Hackney UTC, I have been shown the endless world of opportunities that are available for me and my fellow students. I have learnt the significance of taking the opportunities on offer as well as developing my skills in a wide range of areas. This began with one of our partner companies, BT Group who chose me to attend some events with them where I practised my public speaking skills as well as learning about digital equipment. I have even been inspired to do a BT Apprenticeship in the future and work with the amazing people who have given time to us. Also it will help me to develop my skills so that one day I may achieve my dream of working for Apple. 15
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An initiative of and promoted by the Baker Dearing Educational Trust

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