Luke Davidson

The questions of how and why things work have always captivated me and given me motivation to explore and research components and their relationship with the rest of their systems, sparked at an early age when introduced to working on machines with my grandad. This led to an interest in the technology surrounding these complex mechanisms. During high school, I knew I wanted to pursue this passion, but there were no such options to facilitate this until later years. Reaching year 9, I chose to study DT as this was the closest to engineering possible at the time. This interest is what drove me to further research at home and asking around extended family on queries I came upon. GCSE options became available in year 10, where I found myself wanting to continue my studies in Engineering. The subject would set me up for A-levels, giving me expansive knowledge to aid me in my studies. Followed by a further 2 years of sixth form, my collective 4 year's experience in this subject developed into a great interest in mechanical engineering. Extra-curricular study led me to find a particular interest in the generation of power and propulsion via combustion in vehicular engines. The comparison between efficiency of traditional engines and the modern technology of electric vehicles is something I feel an affinity to. In year 9 of high school, I received an invite from the maths department, due to my mathematical workings shown in class, to attend a visit to the University of Liverpool. This team building exercise brought out my talent of being a team leader, as I planned how to solve these problems most effectively under a time limit, developing my ability to work under pressure and critical thinking. Another skill that I believe was cultivated was my ability to take constructive criticism and turn it into something that would benefit everyone. Considering people's opinions is vital for a group to succeed. My time in sixth form has been centred around creating a wealth of knowledge for myself in engineering and its various disciplines. The course I am currently studying is composed of 6 modules, those being; a Maths component, a Science component, along with a CAD Unit which was the most enjoyable (in which we created a 3D model of an F1 steering wheel from scratch on Solidworks 2019), studied during year 12. In year 13, we have ventured into Principles of Mechanics, Principles of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, along with a Mechanical Design Unit where we are given a list of goals, tasked with creating isometric drawing on an engineering drawing sheet. The mentioned Mechanics module was the most prevalent among my studies as it also appears in my Modular Mathematics course, with overlapping topics like 'moments', 'forces and motion' and 'friction' just to name a few. I volunteer at the Oval Ski Club on the Wirral, where I'm currently working towards becoming a level 1 ski instructor. It's enjoyable helping individuals of various ages by supporting learning and improving their self-esteem when learning to ski for the first time. Being part of the club is also being part of a community of individuals of all ages and experience, with a shared passion. I believe that with my current education and passion for Engineering, I would be a substantial addition to the Mechanical Engineering course, striving for the best grades possible to support my goals of becoming a chartered engineer and taking my skills across the expanses of the globe.

In March 2020, I enrolled in work experience at QHP, a business excelling in machining, fabrication, and pressure testing. I was shown around the workshop, where items like gas bladders and accumulators are made. However, most of my week was spent working on the CAD software Solidworks 2019, creating items made in the facility. By the end of the week, I had modelled all parts of a piston accumulator and bladder body, along with a 3D render and a drawing sheet, equipped with a parts list and model numbers.

[2021] 
[GCSE], [THE WHITBY HIGH SCHOOL. ELLESMERE PORT] Engineering – L2 Distinction*, Maths – 7, Geography – 7, German – 7, English Literature – 7, Biology H – 7, ICT – L2 Distinction, Chemistry – 6, Physics - 6, English Language – 6 
[2023] 
[A-LEVEL], [THE WHITBY HIGH SCHOOL. ELLESMERE PORT] Engineering – Awaiting, Maths – Awaiting, Geography – Awaiting