Technology Pupils Praised at Big Bang Fair NI 2019

Two Year 14 Technology and Design students at Down High School, Victoria Reid and Adam Fermor, exhibited their projects in the Senior category of the Big Bang Fair NI 2019, a Young Innovators Exhibition organised by Sentinus. The event was held at the Ulster University, Jordanstown, on 24 June. With entries from across Northern Ireland and a very strong level of competition, the students and their work were under scrutiny from a number of adjudicators throughout the day. After the judges’ careful consideration, it was announced that Victoria Reid was placed as runner up in the ‘Northern Ireland Young Engineer Award’ and overall winner of the ‘Best Use of Electronics Award’. Victoria’s project was the design and manufacture of a hydration monitor to gauge the intake of liquids for older people. As a student of Health and Social Care as well as Technology, Victoria wanted to develop a product that would provide a safe level of recording fluid intake among the elderly or those suffering from dementia. Adam’s project combined his love of sailing with his passion for engineering and electronics. This involved creating a product that optimised the accuracy of timers for sailors; always a problem for those used to competitive sailing.
Down High School’s Head of Technology and Design, Mr Mark Patton, expressed his delight at the performances of both students. “It is brilliant to see the hard work and innovation of Victoria and Adam being rewarded. Their designs are truly outstanding. The department and the school are thrilled by Victoria’s success. It is fully deserved.”