Busy D&T department welcomes the relief provided by a Trotec laser.

As the number of pupils in the secondary school system continues to grow and schools battle ever tightening purse strings, a school in North Yorkshire is finding some relief in the addition of a Trotec laser to its busy Design & Technology department.

Pupils at St. John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate now have access to the state-of-the-art laser cutter, using it to bring their designs and innovations to life; the laser supports teaching D&T students how to solve real-life problems through an iterative design process.

Since installation, the Speedy 300 EDU has been a huge benefit to not only the Design and Technology department, but the wider school.

In addition to supporting the manifestation of coursework, the laser has been used alongside a host of manual and mechanical tools at the school to induct new students in to the Design & Technology subjects, with an initial task to design and make T-square boards which they can then personalise by using the Trotec laser to engrave the wooden surface. This starter project gives students the chance to develop graphic skills, as well as actually manufacture the equipment they need for learning.

The laser cutter has been used to create parts and components for prototypes made from wood, acrylic and plastic laminates, sometimes incorporating electronics and moving mechanisms to create items including working light fixtures, bird feeders, toothbrush timers and skateboard ramps to name a few. The laser has also saved the school money within other areas, including creating name signage for classroom doors. The team are currently exploring ways in which it could benefit other disciplines within the school.

Special praise was given to the ease of maintenance of the Speedy 300 EDU compared to the previous laser. The dust protection and durability of build is obvious, while the team have found that Trotec are always contactable by phone in the event of any technical issues.