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Made in Warminster
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If ever there was an example of the importance of
our pupils engaging creatively across the curriculum it
is Patrick Williams (OV13). Staff fondly remember
that during his 9 years at Warminster they were
equally likely to find him immersed in his latest
project in the Design Technology Department,
playing on the rugby pitch or rehearsing his latest
trumpet piece in the chapel. Mrs Maclaren reflects
on his design technology prowess, “Patrick was a real
pleasure to work with in the workshop. I remember his
design for a multi-function games box which truly pushed
the boundaries of innovation to its limits. It came
as no surprise that for his ultimate A Level challenge
he managed to incorporate a design improvement for
his trumpet!”
How did the ongoing support you received from
Warminster Prep and the Senior School enhance
your learning experience?
I learned the importance of preparation and team work, and
gained the confidence to stand up in front of a crowded room
and express my opinions or, crucially, pitch an idea. I went on to
study Product Design Technology at UWE Bristol as it offered
the ideal balance of engineering and product innovation; a
natural extension of the subjects that had enthralled me
at school.
Within 5 weeks of starting at Warminster Prep I was diagnosed
with a form of dyslexia. The learning strategies I was introduced
to then have formed the basis of the way I approach the written
word now. After 4 years of timetabled learning support I was
confident enough not to need separate tuition. Just knowing
that at any point I could access the same help and advice meant
that later on through school, and particularly during my GCSEs
and A Levels, I always felt supported.
On reflection, how did your time at Warminster
Prep shape your future choices?
I remember walking into the Design Technology Department
for the first time as an impressionable Year 5 pupil during one
of our many visits to the Senior School. I was amazed by the
facilities and the idea that if I put my mind to it I really could
create anything. I distinctly recall my first project – a radio made
from wood and acrylic. Having access to the full scope of the
School’s design technology resources at such a young age
definitely had a profound effect on my future aspirations. If it
wasn’t for those early experiences I might never have realised
that my passion could become my career. There were
numerous ‘soft skills’ that almost without realising it were
so well nurtured and encouraged during my time at school.
Still in his early twenties, Patrick runs his own design
consultancy, Triux, as well as working with other
like-minded innovators at Step 2 Design. Impressively,
he is also working towards bringing a product of his
own design to market in the next twelve months.
How do you feel Warminster prepared you for
the next step?
I often feel that one of the reasons why I felt comfortable
enough to push myself out of my comfort zone while I was at
school was because I had such a strong sense of a supportive
community behind me. I was always encouraged to get involved
and ‘have a go’; from the hockey pitch, to jazz band, drama
productions and later as a prefect while I was in the Sixth Form.
These experiences shape you and once I left school I realised
that I wasn’t scared to get involved or to have a voice in what
was going on.
What moments stand out for you when you look
back over your 9 years at Warminster?
I would have to say performing in the School musical ‘Phantom
of the Opera’ was definitely a highlight – it was a blast! It was
fantastic having so many friends involved and to be able to share
the experience with them – there was a huge sense of pride
when it finally came to the performances themselves. It was
also fabulous to see and feel the enthusiasm of our teachers –
I sensed they enjoyed the experience every bit as much as we
did. I was encouraged to grasp and explore every opportunity
that came my way. It made learning exciting and I now realise
that thinking that way means you never know where you might
end up or what you might learn. Warminster offers so many
ways for you to build and develop your skill set. Understanding
that while you are still at school, and making the most of those
opportunities, places you at a huge advantage later in the world
of work.
