D&T Forum
The National Centre for Craft & Design has teamed up with industry professionals to deliver a programme of exciting workshops, lectures and events which directly support and enhance key areas of the curriculum.
With a focused look at design processes, creative thinking, making and problem solving the forum aims to broaden participants aspirations and skill set, enhance and enrich schemes of work and inspire the next generation of UK designers and engineers.
The Team
National Centre for Craft & Design
Royal Academy of Engineering
University of Lincoln
The Programme
The Big Toy Factory
The Big Toy Factory is an award-winning programme that enables bright ideas to be brought to life. Participants will experience the joy of designing a product and seeing their ideas made into a reality by professional technicians before decorating the outcome to take home.
Designer Talks
Industry professionals who have extensive knowledge and experience in design, craft, engineering and education lead our programme of designer talks. Participants will learn from first hand experiences of the design process, gain advice and information on careers in the industry, develop visual inspiration and increase links with current design practice.
Design Days
Young designers will mirror design processes and creative thinking strategies used by industry professionals to create a product. A focus will be placed on sustainability, shape, materials and product design.
See below for our full list of d&t workshops and events
Places are strictly limited so booking in advance is essential.
For more information or to book please contact the learning team on 01529 308712 or learning@nationalcraftanddesign.org.uk
D&T Workshops and Events
Design Day - product packaging (£2 per person)
During this workshop participants will be introduced to the importance of sustainable design, graphics, material and shape by creating product packaging.
Friday 27th April, 10-2.30pm, KS3
Designer Talk (£2 per person)
Dave Bramston - Idea Searching
Dave Bramston is the Programme Leader for Product Design at the University of Lincoln, co-founder of the international design group mbrela and author of Idea Searching, Material Thoughts and Visual Conversations for AVA publishing.
The Designer Talk looks at the many ways that ideas can be generated from everyday practices and a range of simple tasks throught the session aims to engage the audience.
Supported by AVA Publishing and the University of Lincoln.
Friday 4th May, 10-3pm, KS4 or KS5
Design Day - Fashion design (£2 per person)
This workshop explores fashion and textile design with a focus on how street craft can inform product development.
Participants will follow the processes used by professional designers including drawing, model making and the creation of mood boards before creating a final piece.
Friday 11th May, 10-2.30pm, KS3
Big Toy Factory (FREE)
Design and build a Den.
The design and build a Den project is aimed at being resourceful with materials. The project aims to create exciting challenges to look at what can be achieved with a bit of imagination.
Examples of innovative Dens will be presented to generate some initial inspiration and those present will be asked what makes the ultimate Den. The session is to be a 'think & play' activity with continual assembly and disassembly of the Dens in order to achieve the ultimate solution. Opportunities to personalise the Dens with paint, stickers and a range of textures will ensure that these creations capture the imagination.
All those attending will receive a Big Toy Factory Certificate. Materials are provided, however groups can bring additional materials along. Children should bring a packed lunch.
Supported by the Product Design programme, University of Lincoln.
Wednesday 16th May, 10-2pm, KS2
Design Day - Are you sitting comfortably? (£2 per person)
Inspired by Martino Gamper's project 100 chairs in 100days students are invited to attend a unique design day where they will design and construct a chair. This workshop will stimulate design-thinking strategies, provoke debate and question value, function and style.
Friday 15th June, 10-2.30pm, KS3 or KS4,
Design Day - Tabletop toys (£2 per person)
With a focus on engineering principles this fun and creative workshop highlights the role of STEM in the design process.
Wednesday 27th June, 10.2.30pm, KS3
Design Day - Architectural model making (£2 per person)
Use the themes of our exhibition programme to design and make an architectural model. A focus will be placed on materials, design and creative thinking.
Wednesday 4th July, 10-2.30, KS3 or KS4
Design Days - Olympic Puzzle (£2 per person)
Join us at The National Centre for Craft & Design where you will design and create a class puzzle inspired by the Olympic values.
Friday 6th July, 10-2.30pm, KS3
All activity is kindly supported by Kesteven and Sleaford high School Selective Academy.
