At Sedbergh Junior School pupils have access to one of the best resourced Design Technology facilities for a prep school in the country.
The Department boasts access to both high end computer aided manufacture with laser cutting and 3D machining, as well as traditional workshops. The school has recently opened a dedicated Jewellery and Silversmithing workshop where pupils can work with precious metals and gem stones under specialist tuition. In addition, a new computer aided design suite provides access for the pupils to top end commercial CAD software, which enables them to realise their creativity and develop their ideas.
In all years pupils develop their design knowledge through a variety of projects, and group sizes are kept small to ensure one to one assistance is always available. The opportunity to learn and experiment with a wide range of materials and processes underpins the approach the Department adopts.
“The design process, at its best, integrates the aspirations of art, science, and culture. Good design is obvious, but great design is transparent.”
As pupils develop through the school the broader concepts of designing for others and how design influences society are introduced. At Year 8 the process concludes with the opportunity for them to produce a product of their own choosing, where they can further develop their skills in the specific areas which interests them.