Two groups of sixth form students from Clitheroe Royal Grammar School were presented with national awards in design and engineering after working with local conservatory manufacturer Ultraframe to complete seven month engineering projects.
The ten pupils collected their gold CREST awards which celebrate Creativity in Science and Technology from Ultraframe’s Design and Development Director, Andrew Thomson and their group mentor Paul Wooff, an Ultraframe Research & Development Design Engineer. The students undertook the award winning projects as part of the National Engineering Education Scheme, set up by the Royal Academy of Engineering to encourage scientific curiosity through work related learning.
Ultraframe worked in partnership with the Royal Grammar School, sponsoring the students’ participation in the scheme as well as offering Paul Wooff to act as a mentor and guide the students through the project planning, brainstorming and problem solving process.
Phil Taylor, Head of Design Technology at the school commented: “The students have worked very hard on the projects in addition to completing their regular studies and they thoroughly deserve this success. Our partnership with Ultraframe has been absolutely fantastic. Paul Wooff set the two groups ‘real life’ engineering problems and gave up his time to help them, and even attend a three day brainstorming workshop at Liverpool University.”
One team also entered their outstanding work into the regional finals of the Young Engineer for Britain Competition where they were awarded 2nd place and each received an iPod as a prize.
Phil Taylor continued: “Working on these projects with Ultraframe has really encouraged the students’ interest in engineering. Over fifty percent of those who participated are now planning to select engineering based university degrees, which is great. We have an excellent link with Ultraframe and a new group of students has already been sponsored and is working with Ultraframe to complete this year’s scheme.”
Ultraframe mentor, Paul Wooff, was equally impressed by the students’ enthusiasm. He commented: “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with the pupils on these hugely successful projects. Ultraframe always strives to lead the conservatory market with cutting edge technology and innovative, high quality design and we are proud to have been able to help and encourage the engineering talents and achievements of our local students.”
