Head of Design and Technology Recognised at National Awards Ceremony

This June, Hethersett Academy has seen our Head of Design and Technology, Kate Finlay, recognised by The David Clark Prize as she received the "Highly Commended" award for her work in Design and Technology and promoting careers in STEM industries.

Kate's commitment to our students both inside the classroom and in providing them opportunities to grow and develop their engineering, and design and technology skills hasn't gone unnoticed and our pupils' success is a testament to the hard work and dedication that Kate has brought to our design and technology department.

Kate said:

“Since being in post at Hethersett Academy, I have grown the department from 15 pupils in a year taking D&T GCSE to now over 100+. The team has grown from 3 members of staff to 12.  The department has evolved to encompass a heavy reliance on new technological and commercial practices.  It is incredibly important that pupils receive experiences that will align with their next steps.  I have ensured that pupils use industry CAD programmes and industry standard machinery and equipment.  We organise visits to local post 16 workplaces so that our pupils can see their next steps in the sector. I deeply value the engagement with industries.  It is important that pupils have experiences with the social aspects of talking to employers and learn about changes in industry. 

 

I deeply value the engagement with industries.  It is important that pupils have experiences with the social aspects of talking to employers and learn about changes in industry.  It is my ambition for pupils no matter what their start points, that they can access a future in engineering and know how to find out more about it.

 

I am also a Subject Specialist for the Inspiration Trust; I support primary and secondary school D&T departments.  As well as working with heads of department and teachers across the trust, I am also currently working on a futures programme to enhance the sectors experience our pupils gain throughout their time in a trust school.  Embedding the notion of pupils having many careers but only one future.”

Jane Diver, Principal at Hethersett Academy said:

“Kate Finlay has transformed the technology department at Hethersett Academy beyond all recognition. Kate has worked tirelessly to design a curriculum that has enabled all children to engage in a curriculum that is innovative, creative and inspiring with an abundance of opportunities for all to follow their passions. 

 

For this all, the Hethersett Academy community are very grateful - thank you Kate for all you do to transform the lives of the children of Hethersett!”