Most 16-year-old young women are fascinated by shopping and shoes, but new Arkwright scholar Laura is preoccupied by bridges.
An AS Level student in King’s Sixth Form Laura said: “Don’t misunderstand me, I can do shopping and shoes as well, but I am really fascinated by bridges and after my GCSEs last year my special present was a book on the great footbridges of the world. I couldn't put it down, it was a real page turner.” Laura, is one of a record 237 Arkwright scholars this year, who were successful from nearly 1,000 applicants. She gains £250 for each of the next two years and more importantly is designated an experienced commercial sponsor who can gain wider access to the best work experience opportunities. King's also receives £800 over the next two years to help fund wider opportunities in DT.
Laura, who gained 6 A stars, 2 As and 1 B grade in last summer’s GCSEs examinations, ultimately wants to study Civil Engineering at Imperial College London. She said: “Bridges and tunnels are a vital part of our infrastructure and how they are made to span great expanses without collapsing or caving in fascinates me. What materials, what construction techniques are used, is something I really want to explore. I love nothing better than to see a building before the outside shell is put on and see how it is constructed.”
Arkwright Scholars pass a rigorous selection process and are encouraged to be ambassadors for Design and Technology and Maths departments in their schools.
Named after ground breaking 18th Century Derbyshire engineer Sir Richard Arkwright, whose inventions help to kick start the industrial revolution, the scholarships are supported by industry, charitable trusts, the services, institutions, associations and personal donors.
King’s School’s Design Technology teacher Colin Richards said: “I delighted that Laura has been awarded this scholarship. It’s a flagship award for an industrial sector that is increasingly recognised as an essential part of the curriculum and key to the future health of our economy.
