Despite the current closure, Ely College staff and students have been busy this week, converting the Design and Technology department into a production line for PPE (personal protective equipment).
Students attending the childcare provision still being run on site over this period have also designed a large rainbow banner to spread hope and positivity to those passing by the Downham Road school.
Using the 3D printers housed in the college, staff and students have manufactured over 300 safety masks this week, with donations so far having been made to the NHS, the Police, Doddington Medical Centre , Lily House Care Home, Ely Cathedral Medical centre and Kings Lynn A&E department. The college has been approached by many local health care providers and services since sharing their efforts online in recent days.
In addition, Year 11 student, Lucas Gallop, was keen to get involved and contribute and has been busy 3D printing masks at home. His next task is to produce as many as he can for the Rosie maternity ward, as well as community midwives and staff at Addenbrookes.
Lucas purchased his own 3D printer with money he earned during a summer job at Huxley Bertram Engineering, following a successful work experience placement arranged by Ely College. Lucas is pictured with the first 11 masks he produced, all made up to send off to the staff on the wards of Hinchingbrooke Hospital.
Principal, Richard Spencer, said: “We are a community college, and although we can’t all be together in school right now, this initiative shows that we can still make a contribution.
“I’m hugely grateful to the Design Technology teachers, to the students who have been attending our key worker childcare provision, and to all the staff who have been running this essential provision. We also hope that members of the community going past the college will see our rainbow sign and look forward to the time when our community can be together again”.
Press release from Ely College
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