Tommy Takali (S6) recently won the top woodwork prize in a competition run by the Trades House of Glasgow, a well-respected organization which was originally created to support Glasgow's trades and craftsmen. Today it runs as a charity encouraging trades in the city.

Every year, the Trades House runs a School Craft Competition in conjunction with Glasgow City Council Education Department. Their aim is to recognize and reward traditional craft work undertaken by Glasgow school pupils.

In June 2010, Tommy won the prize for best woodwork project, for designing and making his own TV unit. Tommy had further success in June 2011, when he received the overall prize for his Practical Craft Skills clock (shown here).

To celebrate his success, Tommy was invited to the Deacon's Choosing Dinner on October 5, as one of the guests of honour. He won £100 for himself and £1,000 for the school.

The Technical Department are incredibly proud of Tommy's achievement. He is now sharing his skills by mentoring some of the current S4 pupils in Craft and Design.

The Technical Department would like to thank local company Dimension Shopfitting, who donated some of the materials which Tommy used in his project. Without their generosity, pupils would not gain the experience of working with such high quality hardwoods.