By Miss Sandy Ni’Man, Head of Design & Technology
Our Design & Technology Scholarship pupils recently had the privilege of visiting Harrow School’s renowned D&T department. The trip offered a hands-on experience with advanced tools and techniques, allowing pupils to immerse themselves in the process of creating their own candle holders.
The project began with filing and bending the mild steel in preparation for welding. Pupils used a scroll former table top tool for the metal bending allowing them to bend the mild steel by hand. This allowed the pupils to refine their designs and ensure the functionality and stability of their candle holders was made accurately. The next step was welding the mild steel parts together to create the structure for the candles to sit onto and to be placed onto the plywood base. Working with steel heated to an intense 1100 degrees, pupils were fascinated by the transformation of the metal and gained an appreciation for the precision and safety required in such a process. Once the welding was complete, the metal was dip-coated into fluid plastic, and a powder colour was added for aesthetic value. Dip-coating not only enhances the appearance, but also provides a durable coating to prevent rusting of the mild steel. Watching the hot metal interact with the plastic and cool to a smooth finish was a highlight for many of the pupils.
Pupils then had the opportunity to personalise their plywood base designs by sanding and then painting a base colour ready to engrave a bespoke design on top using the laser cutter. This process allowed them to add intricate patterns and unique finishes to their work, showcasing the precision and versatility of laser technology. To take their designs further, they incorporated the candle holder clip-on components made with 3D printers, exploring how modern manufacturing techniques can complement traditional methods. This step brought the project full circle, combining manual craftsmanship with high-tech processes.
This trip was an eye-opening experience that went beyond practical skills. Pupils gained insight into the design and engineering behind everyday objects and discovered how different techniques can work together to create a well-made functioning product. They gained practical experience with tools they might not typically encounter in the classroom, sparking curiosity about careers in design, engineering, and manufacturing. The experience also highlighted sustainable design practices, such as protective coatings that extend product life and joining of scrap metals using recycled metals to minimise material waste. The pupils left with a better understanding of how design decisions impact the environment.
All the pupils spoke about how rewarding it was to see their creations come to life. One pupil shared their excitement saying “it was amazing to see how the same piece of metal could go through so many transformations. The dip coating process was my favourite – it made the project look professional!” Another marvelled, “Using a laser cutter felt like I was working in a high-tech lab. It’s amazing how precise the engravings turned out.”
We are incredibly grateful to Harrow School’s D&T department for providing such an enriching and inspiring day. The pupils returned with not only their completed candle holders but also a deeper appreciation for D&T in design and manufacturing processes. This trip was a reminder of the power of hands-on learning and its ability to spark creativity and curiosity in future designers and engineers.
