With our top set Year 11s having just finished their early-entry IGCSE Mathematics examination, it was a good time for them to explore an example of a real-life application of their mathematical skills.
Students were introduced to the huge potential of 3D printing technology and then used their graphical skills to create their own 2-dimensional images. They then converted this into a 3D design using cutting edge graphical software, before sending it to the school’s 3D printers to print out.
Two of the outstanding pieces created were by Zhi Tong (Tong) and Chutikarn (Gamgaew). Tong used parametric equations to make a beautiful flower. She said, “It was very interesting learning about 3D printing and how it can be applied in a real-life context.” Gamgaew meanwhile created a very artistic rendition of a snail, which would make a great house decoration. She explained that “it’s nice to use my maths skills to do something pretty and creative.”
We asked Mr Clark, our head of ICT about his thoughts for how 3D printing will revolutionalise life over the next decade. He explained that “3D design and manufacture is already changing how things are conceptualised, designed and physically created in many industries; from industrial manufacture in fighter jets, boats and houses, to fashion, music, food and even printing replacement limbs and organs – just like some of our students did last year when they produced a prosthetic arm for a young girl in Bangkok.”
“Therefore it is really important for students to gain early access to these developing technologies – and to gain first-hand experience of 3D printing technology,” Mr Clark added. “I envisage that some of our students will be pioneering these technologies in their future studies at university and in their careers,” he concluded.