Design

Design

Most of what we see in the world which is man-made is there by design, whether that be good or bad is a matter of opinion, but it is a crucial aspect of this subject that both the creative and logistical sides of the topic are discussed in full. Undertaking trips is a great way to generate debate, inspire students creatively and also make them think about implications of things such as location, weather, longevity, colour, shape, materials, texture interaction with the surrounding environment, design history, fashion and fads.

Trips for design are very often either practical workshops or visits to museums, buildings or venues which have exhibits or themselves designed to inspire students to think creatively or logistically. Great examples include a trip to the Victoria and Albert museum in London, to view the Eden Project in Cornwall or the Sage arena in Gateshead from a design perspective.

Often trips will lead to major follow-up projects in the classroom which will include both practical and theoretical session, and other topics such as Physics or Technology can be involved. 

Due to the nature of the practical sessions which often take place on design-based trips, the implications for safety are very important and increased attention should be paid to the suitability fo the activities, the tools being used and also ensuring the students are well-briefed, wear any protective equipment or clothing at all times and behave themselves.

Or you could be inspired by visiting design icons such as the Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery or even the studios of Aardman Animations.

Main organisations:

Design and Technology Association (DATA)

National Society for Education in Art and Design

Design Council

British Institute of Interior Design

Inclusion: NASEN

Venues for this Curriculum

Drayton Manor is a fun-filled theme park near Tamworth with rides like Apocalypse, Maelstrom and Pandemonium, animals and of course Thomas Land, home of Thomas the Tank Engine. There's even a 4D cinema and a Dino Trail.

School Visits

A stunning Tudor merchant's house whose walls have more than a few stories to tell

Stunning woodcarving and elaborate panelling made this wealthy merchant's house a medieval des res built to impress.

Built around 1500 for Thomas Paycocke, the house is a grand example of the wealth generated in East Anglia by the cloth trade in the 16th century.

Denny Abbey has a unique and fascinating history. 

Founded in 1159 as a Benedictine monastery, it then became a retirement home for elderly Knights Templars. After the Templars’ suppression for alleged heresy in 1308, it became a convent of Franciscan nuns before becoming a farm from 1539 and the dissolution of the monasteries, until the 1960s. 

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Berlin - it's like you've just jumped into the biggest box of LEGO®bricks ever!

 

Superb early 17th-century 'black and white' farmhouse with stone-tiled roof and vernacular buildings

Cwmmau Farmhouse is a timbered farmhouse boasting many original features, including stone-tiled roofs and vernacular barns.

Come and explore this quintissentially rustic English farmhouse on one of the eight days throughout the year when it is open, or stay for a long weekend when the farmhouse is open as a holiday cottage.

Combe Martin has a rich history combining unique social customs with silver mining, lime burning, strawberry growing as well as the maritime aspects. 

A fantastic Seaside Laboratory is open for all to use with the facility to explore the beach and go rock-pooling. Beach safaris led by museum volunteers are held regularly when weather and tides permit

A striking and majestic ruined Castle

Donnington Castle stands overlooking the Lambourn Valley in an important strategic position commanding the crossing of major north–south and east–west routes.

The striking twin-towered 14th-century gatehouse of this castle, later the focus of a Civil War siege and battle, survives amid impressive earthworks.

Welcome to the Wedgwood Visitor Centre, set in over 240 acres in the heart of the Staffordshire countryside.

Pottery History

Madame Tussauds Beijing is now open!


We've rolled out the red carpet and bought our unique blend of glitz and glamor to the Chinese capital!

If you’re looking for inspiration to give your pupils a day out they’ll never forget, then Madame Tussauds Sydney is the ideal excursion destination!  

Goodrich boasts one of the most complete sets of medieval domestic buildings surviving in any English castle.

Goodrich stands majestically on a wooded hill commanding the passage of the River Wye into the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat. The castle was begun in the late 11th century, by the English landowner Godric who gave it his name.

LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort brings together a LEGOLAND Park, Water Park and Hotel in one LEGO® themed location. It is a family holiday destination with more than 70 hands-on rides, slides, shows and attractions.

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Tokyo - it's like you've just jumped into the biggest box of LEGO®bricks ever!

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta – A fantastic experience of things to do with children here in Atlanta!

Exeter’s world-class museum has stunning new displays and galleries, fabulous exhibitions and modern amenities. Its spectacular Victorian building links the modern commercial city centre bustle on Queen Street with the city’s historic past.

Madame Tussauds is the best place to visit for groups of ALL ages!

Edinburgh Castle is a historic fortress which dominates the skyline of the city of Edinburgh, Scotland from its position on the Castle Rock.

Discover Highhlights:

The new Library of Birmingham is a stunning building both inside and out. Here you can:

Madame Tussauds is THE place for your group, school trip or tour!

LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Oberhausen – it's like you've just jumped into the biggest box of LEGO® bricks ever!

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Westchester – Westchester’s premier LEGO® attraction for kids!

18th-century Welsh gentry estate - with house, walled gardens and home farm

This rare example of a self-sufficient 18th-century Welsh minor gentry estate has survived virtually unaltered.

The villa, designed in the 1790s, is the most complete example of the early work of John Nash. It has its own service courtyard with dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house, and walled kitchen gardens (with all its produce for sale when in season).

Palladian mansion and world-famous landscape garden

When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as ‘a living work of art’. The world-famous landscape garden has at its centrepiece a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees, and offers a day of fresh air and discovery.

Striking 13th-century ruined castle

This striking 13th-century castle is perched overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge and has inspired many artists, including Turner.

Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior - a glimpse of medieval splendour

Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments.

Pages

Login/Sign Up

Latest News

Schoolboy Falls From 60ft Cliff on School Trip

A 15-year-old boy fell 60ft over the edge of a cliff whilst on a geography school trip, miraculously only suffering minor injuries.