A SPECIAL Technical Theme day was organised at Okehampton College to promote technology education.
More than 240 Year 9 students ? and some visiting primary school children ? took the theme of the Olympics and worked on a variety of science, mathematics, design and technology and ICT activities, all based around the theme.
They made a ?trebouchet? ? the mediaeval war machine ? to fire a ping pong ball. A competition was set up to see who could fire their ammunition the furthest.
Data loggers and heart-rate monitors were used to measure individual fitness levels.
A new and exciting piece of equipment called Quizdom was used in a quiz competition ? the equipment is rather like the ?ask the audience? technique in the gameshow Millionaire. A fun and inspiring day was enjoyed by all students involved.
Mrs Jean Harris, assistant principal in charge of co-ordinating technology status at the college, said that all staff worked very hard to organise the day.
It culminated in a whole Year 9 assembly where certificates were presented. Year 6 and 7 gifted and talented students came together for a technology day.
Tony Beveridge, graphic design teacher, put together an action packed day of ?Bridge Building?. The teams had to build and test the strongest bridge made during the day.
Year 6 from the college?s five partner primary schools: Okehampton Primary, Hatherleigh CP, Chagford CP, North Tawton CP and South Tawton CP joined fifteen students from Year 7 for the day.
They all had lunch together and had a really great time.
This day is one of many activities organised by Ms Nicola Ferguson who has the responsibility for promoting gifted and talented students in the college.
It is also part of the whole college drive supporting technology education in the community.
Mrs Harris said that the college has blossomed in the last three years and there are many exciting things planned for the future.