18 July 2003

AWARD FOR SPARKLING YOUNGSTER

A borough student has netted a prestigious award for her contemporary jewellery design.

ALEX Howe, who has just left Boldon School, was one of 10 students in the UK awarded top prize in the annual Technology, Design and Innovation (TDI) Challenge.
What's most impressive is that it was the first time the 16-year-old, who produced the necklace from nickel-plated brass and resin, had dabbled in making jewellery.
Her winning design earned a digital camera for her old school plus £100 in gift vouchers for herself. She received them at a ceremony at the International Manufacturing Centre at Warwick University.
Alex said she spent a year producing the necklace for her final textile and design project at school, but never expected to be rewarded for her efforts.
She said: "I was really surprised when they called and said I had won because I hadn't even thought about it.
"It just did it as part of my schoolwork and then we were all entered in the competition by the teachers.
"I did enjoy designing the project, but I just did it as part of metal work and I don't think I will be making any more."
Alex is now planning to study her A-levels at South Tyneside College next year before deciding on her plans for the future.
Hundreds of secondary school students across the UK enter the annual TDI Challenge every year and those who make the finals face some tough questions from a panel of experts.
The competition is open to pupils aged between 11 and 19.
Categories for judging include computer-aided design and manufacture, electronic product design and maintenance, systems, control and robotics.
The challenge aims to establish the clear links between design and technology experience in the classroom, and the wider manufacturing and marketplace challenges of industry.