Two Design and Technology students from CHS have been awarded prizes in the coveted Arkwright Engineering Scholarship scheme.
Matthew Benton and Hazim Zameel, both in the Lower Sixth, were selected as winners of the prestigious award after undergoing a rigorous application process to show their aptitude and passion for mechanical engineering.
Given the challenge to engineer a solution for a given scenario, the pair passed the first round and were invited to present their GCSE project work on audio technology (designing and building speakers), during an interview with Arkwright officials and engineering experts in their fields.
Mathew, who attended his interview at University of Sheffield said: “The hardest part was the aptitude test as you had to think on your feet. I’m happy about winning the award, it will really open up doors and was good interview practice, particularly as I’m planning to apply to study Design Engineering at Imperial College London after Sixth Form.”
Hazim, who said his ultimate goal would be to work for Apple or Tesla agreed, he said: “I’m really pleased about winning too; it’s going to help us stand out and is a great thing to include on our UCAS applications. I’m not sure exactly what I want to do yet; I’m considering applying to University of Cambridge.”
As recipients of the prize, Hazim and Matthew will collect their certificates and £300 prize-money at an awards ceremony held in London on 2nd November – and the pair already have ideas of what they’ll spend the cash on.
“I’d like to buy a 3D printer,” tells Matthew, “It wouldn’t be top of the range but it’s a start and I can see it being useful.” Hazim has other plans; “I’ll probably buy some software or put it towards a course… that would be good.”
Saying they were inspired by former Arkwright prize-winners from CHS, the pair have offered advice to those considering applying next year. Hazim said: “Just be passionate and make sure you’re putting forward a really good project which you’ve thought about.” Echoing Hazim’s advice Matthew said: “You’ve just got to love it, there’s not much prep you can do; it’s all about how much you want to do it.”
In addition to Matthew and Hazim’s own prizes, other students will also benefit when CHS, recognised for its role in the education of Design and Technology, will receive prize-money to spend on School equipment with input from the prize-winners.
This year marks 7 out of 8 years CHS students have received an Arkwright Scholarship, only missing one year when the School’s students were ‘recommended’ for the award but due to a lower number of sponsors, opportunities were limited and no match was available.
The most prestigious scholarship of its type in the UK, the aim of the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship is to inspire and nurture 15/16-year-old STEM students to be the country’s future leaders of the Engineering Profession.
