Designs on primary schools

What were the outcomes?

From the school’s perspective

The visit to the Design Museum increased the pupils’ enthusiasm for their work on ‘homes’ and, as a result, the quality of their work improved in literacy, mathematics, science and art and design, as well as design and technology. The teacher applied what she had learnt about creativity and design, encouraging the pupils to explore ideas freely and imaginatively. The pupils responded well and produced some original, thoughtful work.

From a design perspective, the pupils’ work showed a new understanding of the design processes. They produced design drawings, planned materials and steps for making, and evaluated their final product. They remembered the language of design that they had learnt during the workshop and used it with confidence.

Travelling across London to visit the museum was an exciting, memorable experience for the pupils, opening their eyes to a world beyond their everyday lives. Several parents have reported that their children are now asking to go to museums.

One unexpected outcome of the project was the enthusiastic response of parents who came on the trip. Some became so interested in the work that they asked to come into class and help the children design and make their chairs. One has said that she now feels more confident about taking her child to visit other exhibitions and events.

From the teacher’s point of view, the professional development offered at the primary conference was particularly helpful. She came away from the day with a range of ideas to enhance creativity and design in the classroom. She is now putting these into practice across the school in her role as D&T coordinator.

From the Design Museum’s perspective

The visit and workshop with year 1 children gave the museum a helpful insight into the targeting of its primary programme. Although the children worked very well, it was clear that the exhibition and resources would be better suited to key stage 2 pupils.

In line with this, the museum is now planning to work with key stage 2 specialist teachers to develop curriculum-related resources and workshops, so that teachers and pupils can make the most of visiting the museum.

Feedback on the primary conference showed that teachers found the day useful, relevant and inspiring. As a result, the museum is planning to incorporate a primary conference day into its annual professional development programme for teachers and tutors.

The project has forged a new link between the museum and school, which the museum plans to strengthen in the future by inviting the D&T coordinator to join its primary advisory board.

What people said

• ‘Working with the museum has had a really positive effect on my children. They were truly motivated and excited about our ‘homes’ topic as a result of the visit. Their enthusiasm has impacted on their achievements in design and technology, art, literacy, maths and science. Overall, this has been a wonderful opportunity which has empowered the children and enriched their learning.’ (teacher)
• ‘This initiative has genuinely captured the imagination of our children, as well as increasing confidence in their own ability. The project has also provided much needed support and inspiration for teachers who have responsibility for developing children’s creative experiences and achievements.’ (headteacher)
• ‘I liked the deckchair because it folded up and it was easy to carry.’ (child)
• ‘At the Design Museum I learnt how to design chairs.’ (child)
• ‘The hands-on workshop is an excellent way to encourage small children to begin to interrogate familiar objects and to introduce them to a simple vocabulary to talk about how products have been designed. They can then take this information into the exhibition and use it to help them think and talk about the chairs on display there.’ (education coordinator at the Design Museum)