Investment in technology inspiring next generation of innovators at Sawtry Village Academy

New technology is helping to inspire the students to become future innovators at Sawtry Village Academy.
Students, Zoe and Daniel are excited for the new 3D printer.Students, Zoe and Daniel are excited for the new 3D printer.
Students, Zoe and Daniel are excited for the new 3D printer.

Students and staff at the school, which is part of Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust (CMAT), will benefit from a huge refurbishment of the technology department including the creation of new classroom areas and investment in state-of-the-art equipment.

The latest addition is a £4,500 laser cutter which has been funded in part by easyfundraising – a platform which collects free funds for the school as parents and staff shop online via referral links from Tesco or Amazon.

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Laser cutters are increasingly being integrated into the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum as one of the ways to give students transferable skills for their future careers.

Technology is a popular subject at Sawtry Village Academy, with former students going onto study at the UK’s top universities and securing top jobs with leading companies including Boohoo, Next and Covent Garden Company.

Simon Parsons, Headteacher of Sawtry Village Academy, said: “At Sawtry Village Academy, we strive for a high-quality learning environment where young people can learn to become successful, confident, responsible, and employable individuals.

“This investment into our technology department will help to nurture the student talent we have in subjects such as textiles, 3D Design, food technology and graphics.

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“The installation of our new laser cutter is already proving popular with students able to create precise prototypes of their designs. We can also use it to create internal signage for the school.”

Year 12 student Daniel Malachowski said: “I hope to have a career in interior design or architecture and the subjects offered at Sawtry Village Academy are teaching me valuable knowledge and skills towards this.

“Subjects such as 3D Design allow you to think in a creative way so you can solve problems. It’s also a lot of fun.”

Zoe Etherington, also in Year 12, added: “I really enjoy creating and building things so I was very pleased to see the new laser cutter. I feel there should be more women in the STEM industry so I hope to go on to university to further my studies in this area.”

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Sarah Wilson, Executive Principal at CMAT, said: “This substantial financial investment in technology is part of our ongoing commitment to the village of Sawtry. We want all students in the area who choose to go onto Sawtry Village Academy, including those at Sawtry Junior Academy and the future

primary school, to benefit.

“At CMAT, we believe in developing a curriculum that stretches and challenges all students and builds career aspiration. By integrating a focus on technology, we can join the dots between school and future careers to ensure our young people are in high demand for the rest of their working

lives.”

CMAT also oversees Greater Peterborough UTC, Peterborough’s only STEM and built environment specialist school. This partnership, coupled with the broad and balanced offer of technology subjects at Sawtry Village Academy, demonstrates a strong technology offer within the Trust.

Sawtry Village Academy is also looking to develop partnerships with local businesses that may want to offer work experience placements for students, partnership programmes or funding.

To get in touch contact the school on 01487 830701.

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