Electronics Technician Diane Ritchie joined Radley’s Design department in 2007. Since then, she has seen plenty of changes within the department and has watched as boys’ ambitions for their design projects have grown steadily over the years. We asked Diane when she first became interested in the world of electronics.
I remember receiving an electronic radio kit as a child and thinking how amazing it was to get it working. I was captivated, and I think my passion for learning about electronics started then. I began by building things like small circuits – my Dad would often take me to a shop called Maplin which felt like an electronics wonderland and sold everything from electronic components to soldering irons that I needed to make electronic projects. I was always taking electrical things apart to see how they worked (much to my parents’ dislike!).
I eventually became an Electronics Engineer for scientific companies, collaborating with scientists and mechanical engineers to design large systems for splitting atoms.
An advert for an Electronics Technician at Radley caught my eye in 2007 and I thought it would be really rewarding to work in the Design department and share my experience of electronics with the boys and help their skills and confidence grow.
What does your day-to-day job entail?
No two days are the same. Emma (Tamlyn, Diane’s fellow Electronics Technician) and I are on hand to support boys in all practical lessons, making sure things run smoothly and ensuring the electronics lab is an exciting and safe place to be. Emma and I work well as a team because we can bring our different individual skills and ideas together.
What aspect do you enjoy most?
The Fifths and Removes work on individual projects from concept to completion which involve things like making a circuit board with copper tracks and soldered components. There are many processes and lots of skill involved and I really enjoy helping the boys with their projects. Every year I am amazed to see how creative and skilled they are at producing outstanding pieces of work.
I am currently helping Ethan (6.1) with his chemistry project. It is a very complex electronic circuit and I have really enjoyed sharing my knowledge and expertise and teaching Ethan some circuit building tips. He built it himself and has done an exceptional job!
Can you pick a favourite project?
There are so many to choose from. Some examples include a warning triangle that senses temperature and lights up in the event of a car breakdown, a notice board that lights up to advertise an event, and a fishing game using ping pong balls that give promotional discounts for cafes and restaurants.
What does Radley mean to you?
Radley means a lot to me. I thoroughly enjoy being here and feel very lucky to be part of the Radley community and Design department. The care, help and support shown is endearing and being in a beautiful setting and environment is the icing on the cake!
What has changed in your time at the College?
The Design department has grown so much in the almost 20 years since I arrived, especially the new technology that wasn’t around years ago. The addition of a plasma cutter, CNC Router, more powerful laser cutters and 3D printers has paved the way for boys to design and make the most amazing projects and showcase their talent and ideas.
When I first arrived at Radley in 2007, before the use of 3D printers, a ‘vacuum former’ would have been found in the Design department. It was used to create 3D shapes from flat plastic sheets over a wooden mould that the boys would design. The final object would be used to house their electronic projects.
Back then, the types of projects you would have found boys working on might have included room alarms, egg timers, amplifiers, bath temperature alarms and reaction timer games.
What might we find you doing away from work?
Spending time with my new grandson James is my favourite thing! I also love going on long walks in the countryside with my two energetic huskies, Ghost and Evie. I make jewellery and enjoy Lego, puzzles and painting Warhammer figures with my son Mick.
