We are delighted for Lower Sixth Former Oscar Whitcombe who has been awarded a full Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. The rigorous application process included completing a detailed application form describing a number of technical projects undertaken and a tough, two-hour aptitude exam.

Oscar is the sixth Bedford School boy to receive this accolade in the engineering world in as many years, which gives him access to exciting training and opportunities in the engineering field. 

The scholarship runs over two years and is widely respected in the engineering industry. Oscar will receive £400 over the two years to spend on materials, equipment or activities to further his engineering interests, and Bedford School will also be awarded £400 to be used to enhance STEM subjects. Additionally, Oscar has been matched with a personal mentor who can provide advice and information as he progresses to university, and help arrange a site visit or work experience.

Memory Box

Part of the exam required Oscar to demonstrate his skills by producing innovative solutions to engineering design problems. One of Oscar’s projects was a ‘memory box’ which he designed for his Design Technology GCSE.

Oscar’s grandfather was the inspiration behind the project. As a dementia sufferer, he would often forget everyday tasks such as making his dinner or taking his medication, so Oscar wanted to create something that would help him. The memory box was born, and not only is it a practical solution to a real-life problem, but it is also beautifully made with a real oak lid, sourced and finished with Danish oil and wax.  

Sadly, Oscar’s grandfather passed away earlier this year, but luckily he got the chance to see and use the box, and delight in his grandson’s handiwork.  

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