Boys enjoyed striking displays at the Skoda factory in Prague.
During the evenings we sampled some local fare and enjoyed games of billiards and bowling. The staff and boys returned back to Gatwick late on the 18 October incredibly exhausted and looking forward to a relaxing half term. ‘The Bohemia Crystal Glass factory manufactured pieces of work through a long and labour-intensive process, however they created beautiful, elegant masterpieces.’ Saba Abdo, Year 11 Woodworking club Each week, Year 7 boys gather to practice their woodworking skills whilst making fun projects. So far boys have made bird boxes, decorative tea-light holders, wacky-racer style cars and are now making ping-pong ball launchers. It is always a fun and hectic lunchtime for all who take part. Inspired by Design Each year, Upper School boys visit the Institute of Education to take part in a day of activities and lectures that are run by designers and entrepreneurs. It never fails to inspire our boys as so many of them go on to take design-related courses at university.
Next the pupils went to the Skoda factory which was a complete contrast, being extensively automated and hi-tech. Massive machinery moved, pressed and punched raw sheet steel, creating precise car body panels in seconds. The boys also visited the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and saw how traditional manufacturing techniques have been brought into the 21st century with high capacity brewing facilities and a very efficient bottling plant. all kinds of transport from the early bicycle to aeroplanes. We walked over the beautiful Charles Bridge and saw the Astronomical Clock chime and the movement of its 150-year-old automated figurines. We also had a chance visit to the 200- meter Zizkov Tower that was fortuitously across the road from our accommodation, it showed us some breathtaking views of the city. ‘I found it fascinating seeing the implementation of systems that I’d previously learned about in theory lesson in full effect at the Skoda factory.’ Bjorn Bloomquist, Year 13 The boys enjoyed visiting the sights around Prague, particularly the Technical Museum that boasted
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