Opening of new Design and Technology Centre at OLA

Nicola Blackwood MP officially opened the new Design & Technology Centre at OLA.

As well as cutting edge architecture, the Centre boasts the very latest design equipment, including a computer-controlled vinyl cutter, CNC router (a computer controlled shaping machine), and a 3D printer. In total there are over 15 design machines available for pupils throughout the school to use.

Work on the new D&T Centre was completed in August. It was designed by Abingdon architects West Waddy ADP, with the construction carried out by Benfield & Loxley, based in Cowley, Oxford. Fr Jamie McGrath blessed the building at the opening event on Friday.

Speaking at the opening, Nicola Blackwood said: “As a school governor myself, I know exactly how much work goes into projects like this. Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard on this project – the outcome is a beautiful building, inside and out.”

The School started teaching Design & Technology in 2010. It is now studied by pupils from the age of 9 (Year 5), and from next year will be offered as an A-level option to the Sixth Form.

The Head of Design & Technology at Our Lady’s Abingdon, Mr Colin Sephton, said: “D&T is not just about learning practical skills – it also offers a whole host of independent learning opportunities. Pupils choose what tools and materials they want to work with on their projects, and we built peer marking into our courses so that students learn from one another, as well as from their teachers. At OLA we want to inspire the next generation of engineers and inventors.”