Student's work is better by design (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Northallerton College student wins design award

3:19pm Friday 27th July 2012 in News By Mark Foster

AN inventive student engineered a winning design to take first place in an educational challenge.

Northallerton College design and technology student Kodie Pattison was awarded the trophy for making a model engine.

The North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership annual challenge provides a showcase for students' coursework.

Kodie, 16, of Northallerton, said: "I have studied engineering for a year and this engine is the first thing I have ever made so I am stunned that my work was chosen by the college to go into the competition - let alone win. My family are very proud. I am the only girl in my class but I get along well working with all of the boys."

She added: "I like doing something a bit different and have already enrolled on a course at Darlington College, where I hope to study civil engineering."

Technology teacher Paul Boland said: "I set a design task to the entire class to create a model engine accurate to 1/100th millimetre.

"It was quite a difficult assignment but Kodie's planning skills and attention to detail were exceptional, so I had no hesitation entering her engine into the NYBEP competition.

"I am sure that her win will stand her in good stead as she continues her engineering education."*Northallerton College recently invested more than £250,000 in its design and technology workshops with the addition of new equipoment and machines.

The new facility also has the flexibility to be use as a multi-disciplinary area to assist in the development of textiles, graphics and product design courses.