After our recent success in the First Lego League Robotics competition, Fettes College is delighted to announce the appointment of Michael Alton as founding Head of Engineering, Enterprise and Technology (EET). This is an exciting development and one which supports our bold new vision for Fettes, focussing on what we believe Fettesians should aspire to be, the skills they will need in life, and the impact we want them to make in the world.
Michael will take up his position as Head of EET in August 2023 and will shape and build on our current activities, establishing this hugely important strategic area for our school. He is currently a Teacher of Design and Technology at Warwick School, where he is also a Head of House and RAF Section Commander of the CCF. Michael qualified in Industrial Design (BA) from Loughborough University in 2009 and worked briefly as a Design Engineer before moving into teaching. He enjoys travelling, getting out in the countryside for dog walks, and picking up DIY skills, putting the latter to good use and renovating his current house in Birmingham. Michael will be moving to Edinburgh with his wife, Hanna, and 1-year-old son, George, ready for the start of the 2023-24 year.
Michael Alton said, “Adding EET into the curriculum at Fettes College is a distinctive, forward-thinking opportunity that could not be ignored. I am a passionate advocate for students learning how to problem solve through perseverance and curiosity; engineering is all about doing this by developing intricate solutions through ideation. The aim is to give Fettesians a place to foster these skills through the practical application of knowledge that enhances their learning across the STEAM subjects.”
Jonathan Marchant, Deputy Head (Academic) said, “This is a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity and Michael will not only found this new department he will work with us to plan and build a space for the future, which will allow teaching to be truly innovative, creative and interdisciplinary. This development will equip our students with the attributes to allow them to be competitive in a rapidly changing, technical labour market.”
Head of Fettes College, Helen Harrison, said, “This is a really exciting appointment and fulfils another part of our vision for Fettes, namely to actively look at incorporating Engineering, Enterprise and Technology (EET) into the curriculum and supports our ground breaking plans for the construction of new Science and Innovation buildings in both the senior and prep schools. We are excited to be working with Michael to plan and build a space for the future, which will facilitate the teaching of this new subject.”
Commenting on the Lego League results, Robert Concannon, Teacher of Physics and Digital Learning Coordinator said, “The Fettes team entered and won the regional heat of the First Lego League Robotics competition in February scoring highest of all the teams with their innovative design project and robot challenge performance. The Fettes team will now take part in the highly competitive UK Final which takes places in Harrogate on the 22nd of April 2023.”
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