by James Culley, Assistant Principal and Teacher of Digital Media

Recognised: Florin, for Team Leadership and Management of a Real World Digital Project.

Year 13 learner Florin, following a fantastic display of team management skills, took part in a real world project with app developer, Peapodicity. Florin and his peers have been involved in the development of the next iteration of the award winning Augmentifyit, an augmented reality education app available on the appstores and on Amazon.

‘Florin naturally led a group of learners using his self-created management process that involved the use of ‘Padlet’, (an online team platform). Florin set tasks for himself and peers and arranged employer feedback on the product so that the team could develop and improve the assets created over time. I was impressed with how Florin managed his team, and how the team responded to his leadership style.

Florin was instrumental in arranging feedback meetings with the Chicago based developer and ensured that the team were making progress whilst juggling other school commitments. Seeing Florin talk about his experiences at Amazon HQ during the national launch of the Edtech50 2020-year book was fantastic and a very proud moment for us all.'

- James Culley.

 
Recognised: Adeel and Ashraful, for Application of Various Engineering Skills as part of a Motorsports Project.
Year 12 learners Adeel, Ashraful and their peers, have recently combined newly learned CAD skills, 3D printing, laser cutting, electronincs, programming and their passion for motorsports to create a fantastic, high quality replica of a formula E steering wheel that can be used with a Virtual Reality simulator based in the Virtual Reality lab at LDE UTC.

‘This is part of the larger end product of a full scale formula E cockpit to help simulate the feeling of racing a formula E car. Adeel and Ahsraful have demonstrated commitment to an after school project where they have been learning these new skills. It was fantastic to see them passionately present ‘steering wheel in hand’ in front of the live audience at Amazon HQ

-Joshua Button, Digital Technology Facilitator, LDE UTC

Florin said, ‘Going to a UTC has been one of the best decisions I have made. It is a more 'hands-on' environment. More practical work, more direct connections to the industry and to employers. More opportunities too. I have used my time at LDE UTC to perfect my skills, ready for university and for work, forging strong connections along the way.

My teacher, James Culley, has helped me a lot with building my confidence. The confidence required to speak in front of a massive crowd. From practising in class to presenting at the BETT show numerous times, speaking to numerous people about what we do and our skills has given me the strength to speak publicly at Amazon HQ for the EdTech50 award in front of 200 people!

Being nominated for such an award was an amazing experience, and an opportunity to show what students are actually capable of. I have built connections that will help me later on in university; connections that have given me an open door into the industry.’

‘The Education Foundation’s Edtech 50 judges were impressed by the hard work and commitment to using technology for learning displayed by pupils at the LDE UTC.

Learners' projects demonstrate their knowledge and skills, and clearly show pride in their school. The learners' presentations at the national launch at Amazon HQ London in front of a large group of head teachers, teachers and business people was first class.

Well done to Team LDE UTC!’  - Ty Goddard, Director Education Foundation.

Florin, Adeel and Ashraful presenting at Amazon HQ