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

 

For a complete list of venues and providers who deliver specialist courses and activities for this subject see below:

Chester Castle

Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
0

Chester Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in 1070 and became the administrative centre of the Earldom of Chester. The first earth and timber ‘motte and bailey’ castle probably only occupied the area of the inner bailey. In the twelfth century it was rebuilt in stone and the outer bailey added.

In 1237 the last earl died and the castle, with the earldom, was taken over by the king. In 1265, during the Barons’ War, it was held for ten weeks by supporters of Simon de Montfort against the men of Prince Edward, son of Henry III.

Read more

Glastonbury Abbey

Venue Type: 
Religious Buildings
Overall Rating: 
0

The Abbey is set in 37 acres of beautifully peaceful parkland in the centre of the ancient market town of Glastonbury. It is traditionally the first Christian sanctuary in Great Britain, visited, so legend has it, by Joseph of Arimathea and Saints David & Patrick. Many believe that the Holy Thorn tree that can be seen in the grounds originated from Joseph of Arimathea's staff and others are convinced that King Arthur was buried in the Abbey beside his lovely wife Queen Guinevere.

Read more

St Mary's Church, Shrewsbury

Ancient church with world famous stained glass
Venue Type: 
Religious Buildings
Overall Rating: 
0

The spire of St Mary’s is one of the tallest in England and for over 500 years it has dominated the skyline of Shrewsbury's old town. In 1739, showman Robert Cadman attempted to slide from it, head first, using a rope and a grooved breastplate. His engraved obituary stands outside the west door. The church is now the only complete Medieval church in Shrewsbury. It dates from Saxon times and has beautiful additions from the 12th-century onwards. Inside, the atmosphere is peaceful with the soaring stone arches giving way to the church's great treasure - its stained glass.

Read more

Waltham Abbey Gatehouse and Bridge

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Explore the fascinating remnants of one of the great monastic foundations of the Middle Ages at this important site, based in the historic market town of Waltham Abbey.

With origins dating back to the early 11th century, the site adopted many religious functions over the years (including as a church and priory) before eventually becoming home to one of the most prosperous and important abbeys in the country: the final resting place of King Harold II, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, and later housing the Waltham Bible.

Read more

Caerleon Roman Fortress and Baths

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Frigidarium, tepidarium, caldarium and natatio. Sounds like one of Harry Potter’s spells! In fact, they describe the wide range of facilities on offer to the Second Augustan Legion and other residents at their state-of-the-art leisure complex. We are talking heated changing rooms, a series of cold and warm baths, covered exercise rooms and even an open-air swimming pool. Roman Britain wasn’t that bad at all if you were a Roman.

Read more

Glastonbury Tor

Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

Prominent hill overlooking the Isle of Avalon, Glastonbury and Somerset

This iconic and evocative landmark offers magnificent views of the Somerset Levels, Dorset, Wiltshire and Wales.

Steeped in history and legend, excavations at the top of the Tor have revealed the plans of two superimposed churches of St Michael, of which only a 15th-century tower remains.

Glastonbury Tor also has a grisly past. Abbot Richard Whiting was executed here in 1549 on the orders of Thomas Cromwell, the first Earl of Essex.

Read more

St Peter's Church, Barton-upon-Humber

Venue Type: 
Religious Buildings
Overall Rating: 
0

This fascinating tourist attraction is home to over 2,800 burials dating from Anglo-Saxon to Victorian times. Located in North Lincolnshire, St Peter’s Church is both an archaeological and architectural treasure trove waiting for you to discover.

Visit the interactive exhibition Buried Lives and discover everything you need to know about medieval disease and diet, and medical and burial practices discovered here. To complete you action packed family day out visit nearby Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse. 

Don't Miss

Read more

Waverley Abbey

Venue Type: 
Religious Buildings
Overall Rating: 
0

Fragments of the church and monastic buildings of the first Cistercian abbey in England, founded in 1128.

The ruins of Waverley Abbey are situated in a peaceful loop of the River Wey, and still give an impression of the solitude experienced by the monks who founded a monastery here almost 900 years ago. 

The monastery at Waverley was founded by William Gifford, Bishop of Winchester, in 1128. It was colonised with 12 monks and an abbot from Aumone in France. By 1187 there were 70 monks and 120 lay brothers in residence.  

Read more

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Venue Type: 
Museums
Overall Rating: 
0

The Stockwood Discovery Centre is designed with environmentally green and sustainable principles in mind.

With interactive display, variety of gardens, children play area, special events and activities, bee gallery and much more, it is a wonderful visitor attraction and museum. Collection highlights include the Wenlok Jug, the Shillington gold coin hoard and the Mossman collection.

It tells the stories of real people behind the collections, exploring the history of the region from prehistoric times to the evolution of Stockwood House and the Farley estate.

Read more

Bayham Old Abbey

Venue Type: 
Religious Buildings
Overall Rating: 
0

Bayham Abbey makes a fascinating day out on the Kent-Sussex border. The impressive ruins include much of the 13th to 15th-century church, the chapter house, and a picturesque 14th-century gatehouse.

Now set in grounds designed by famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton, who also planned the grounds of Kenwood House in London. Rooms in the 'Georgian Gothick' dower house are also open to visitors.

Read more

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. 

TELL ME MORE