Nic Tarquini added to his impressive GCSE examination success this summer by being selected from a large cohort of students competing for a coveted Engineering scholarship. The Arkwright award was created to seek out students demonstrating potential for becoming future leaders in engineering and related areas of design. The initiative aptly named after the famed 18th century engineer Sir Richard Arkwright, inventor of the water frame and the 'father' of the modern factory system, has been nurturing and supporting budding engineering talent since 1991. To gain the award, which carries a bursary, technical support and career guidance from the trust, Nic had to meet the stringent application criteria on a number of levels. Candidates have to show an aptitude for engineering by passing a written design paper and if successful, attending regional interviews conducted by practicing engineers and design professionals. Commitment to engineering is expected through the study of Advanced Level subjects in physics, mathematics and design technology. Once selected as a ‘recommended student’ the scholarship is only then awarded to students gaining an offer of sponsorship from a leading British engineering company. We are delighted that Nic has been offered the full scholarship and has been selected by the Reece foundation, an engineering company associated with the production of specialist equipment for mine and explosives disarmament.
Nic, and his family and a representative from the school will attend a presentation in London where he will receive his award and credit for the hard and lengthy process he has successfully concluded alongside all of his other academic commitments. Very well done and a superb start to perhaps a notable engineering design career!