MR Rowan's D.T. Department has had a busy year and he expressed his delight at the fantastically high standard of work produced by students in years 11, 12 and 13 for their resistant materials GCSE and A level.

"I know I say it every year, but it really is true - this year the students have surpassed themselves", he insisted.

Two students in particular were singled out by Mr Rowan.

"Will Parry designed and constructed a bicycle wheel centreing device which is accurate to 0.01mm - one hundredth of a millimetre - making it more accurate than any device on the market.

When your reporter looked distinctly underwhelmed (now had Will designed a fabulous handbag!), Mr Rowan waxed lyrical about Nick Whittaker's three drawer construction which, with its mixture of traditional and inventive techniques, was an extremely challenging project.

" To get a good grade, there has to be an extremely high level of accuracy," he pointed out.

"Nick worked long and hard on this project ensuring everything was to the highest standard - and the result is fantastic."

From September, the D.T. Department will be developing their CADCAM repertoire, creating opportunities to apply these techniques in resistant materials, graphic products, food technology, textiles and produce design.

Two new rooms are being provided for the Department and everybody involved is greatly looking forward to fresh challenges and opportunities. (Designing handbags or shoes perhaps? Now there's something worth waiting for!)