& Design Technology

On a crisp cool summer ’ s morning, 37 GC SE Design & Technology pupils travelled to London to experience Clerkenwell Design Week (CDW). This established event showcases cutting- edge design, innovation, and craftsmanship, making it an ideal platform for our pupils to research, explore and gain inspiration ahead of the start of their GC SE assessed design work

One great benefit of our pupils visiting the CDW is that it places the onus upon them to engage with the many industry professionals including designers, architects, and manufacturers. Outside Farringdon Tube station our final briefing encouraged them to be bold and to talk to the professionals and find out about their work and their careers The event provides a high-density and diverse range of design installations, exhibitions, and workshops A key benefit to this trip is that the whole event has a fantastic vibe The boys are surrounded by people all interested in design. The exhibits and workshops at CDW offer interactive and hands-on experiences as designers hand their products to the boys for them to experience and discuss This hands-on approach allows them to understand the practical application of design principles and develop problem-solving skills, gaining so much more than hours spent trawling through the web

Sustainability has a key focus of modern design, and CDW showcases numerous sustainable design practices By seeing environmentally conscious products, students gain a deeper understanding of the importance of sustainability in their design projects, rather than viewing this as an ‘add on ’ feature Clerkenwell is known for its rich history and its vibrant design community Exhibits pop up in historic subterranean debtors’ prisons, converted textile warehouses, chapels and marquees

The observations from the boys; Post-covid workspaces have changed and there are now Teams meetings, breakout rooms and acres of cork to improve the acoustics of online conversations Strong colour palettes are back in and Designers are fun people to be around, to work with and to be around Our pupils take these messages on as they now progress onto designing their product solutions

Peter Chillingworth Head of Design & Technology