ECA is a vibrant and creative community of students and academics: a place of experimentation, exploration, intellectual stimulation and exciting collaborations.
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
British Institute of Interior Design
Inclusion: NASEN
Venues for this Curriculum
Enjoy a visit to the City Art Centre, a main Edinburgh art gallery with one of the best collections of Scottish art. We show interesting exhibitions from our own collections and from all over the world. We can also tempt you with an attractive shop located on the ground floor.
Now a Scheduled Ancient Monument, John Wilkinson, the pioneering industrialist, built Penrhos Engine House in the late 18th Century, in order to house an engine to pump water from his coal mine on the site. It is thought to be the earliest surviving colliery engine house in Wales.
Set in the attractive planned village of Holt, Holt Castle is a ruin on the banks of the River Dee.
Interested in Walking? The Clywedog Trail is a great way to enjoy the open air, whilst discovering the industrial heritage of Wrexham and you don’t have to walk the full length of nine miles in one go – do it in easy stages!
Cradle of Christianity
The Royal Burgh of Whithorn has an important history which is immediately obvious from the medieval street layout. Even more significant is the hidden evidence of the early origins of a settlement on this site going back to the 5th century, Scotland’s first Christian community.
The Stonehaven Tolbooth is thought to have been founded by George Keith, 5th Earl Marischal (c. 1553–1623), with the original purpose of the rectangular building being to act as a storehouse during the construction of the nearby Dunnottar Castle. In 1600, an Act of Parliament provided that the building become a tolbooth.
Stranraer's historic Old Town Hall, built in 1776, is the home of Stranraer Museum.
Step inside and discover Wigtownshire's fascinating past. See one of Scotland's oldest ploughs, look at Victorian Wigtownshire in 3-D photographs and follow in the footsteps of Stranraer's own Polar explorers.
Gracefield Arts Centre in Dumfries presents a changing programme of exhibitions. These feature regional, national and international artists and craft makers. It also stores a collection of over 600 artworks by Scottish artists or art relating to the region. These are shown in exhibitions throughout the year.
A treasure house of the history of south west Scotland, Dumfries Museum is centered around the 18th century windmill which stands above the town. On the topmost floor of the museum is the Camera Obscura – this historic astronomical instrument gives fascinating panoramic views over the town and on clear days the range is many miles.
This local museum has a regular display which includes social history, trades and craft implements, dolls, toys and a large collection of Ayrshire lace embroidery and local Paisley weaving. There are also regular exhibitions held on specific topics.
Opened in 1901, the Dick Institute is one of the most important cultural venues in the south-west of Scotland, featuring the largest museum and galleries space in Ayrshire as well as East Ayrshire's central library.
The Royal Burgh of Ayr held the Rozelle lands as part of the Barony lands of Alloway until an auction in 1754 to reduce the Burgh debt brought sale of the lands to Robert Hamilton for £2,000. The Hamilton family made their fortune in the sugar and tobacco industries in the West Indies. The first mansion house was finished by 1760 and was in the classical style of Robert Adam.
North Ayrshire Heritage Centre shows the history of North Ayrshire with displays of archaeology, costume, transport, and popular culture. A photographic archive of the local area is available for reference.
Built in 1776, the former parish church in Saltcoats, houses our principal museum collection.
The Doon Valley Museum is located in a conversion of one of the oldest buildings in Dalmellington (dating from 1744). It was saved from demolition in the 1980s and now serves the community as a museum, art gallery and meeting place. Our permanent museum displays explore some of the rich heritage of the Doon Valley – with a focus on mining and how it affects the communities of the area.
Dean Castle, home and stronghold of the Boyd family for over 400 years, is open all year round to visitors and is one of Ayrshire’s greatest free attractions.
17th century flour mill and ancillary buildings on riverside site
17th century flour mill and ancillary buildings on riverside site. Exhibitions telling the story of country life from 1800 to the present day. Collection of costume, furnishings and memorabilia.
The beauty of Edzell was a statement of the prestige of its owners, the Lindsays.
The stylised walled garden was created around 1604. Adorned with heraldic sculptures and carved panels, the architectural framework surrounding the garden is unique in Britain.
The garden also includes walled flower and nesting boxes and a delightful summer house.
Come and visit the finest castle in Scotland - Winner Best Attraction 2015
Glamis Castle has been the family home of the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne, and a royal residence, since 1372. It was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth the late Queen Mother and the birthplace of Princess Margaret, as well as the legendary setting for Shakespeare´s famous play Macbeth.
An unexpected treasure in its modern urban setting
All that remains of a mediaeval hospital and alms house, the Maison Dieu Chapel lies on Maisondieu Lane in central Brechin.
A four mile section of the Kinnaber to Brechin line, between Brechin and the Bridge of Dun forms the basis of this important fragment of Scotland's historic railways.
Restenneth is noted for its ruined priory, with its square tower with octagonal spire forming a prominent landmark.
The Balmashanner War Memorial was built 1920-1 to a design by architect Thomas R. Soutar to commemorate those fallen in the First World War. Known locally as Boammie, the monument offers fine views over Forfar, the Valley of Strathmore and to the Braes of Angus beyond.
The Club is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of historic vehicles, researching and sharing their history and enabling everyone to develop their related interets. The Club welcomes new members and visitors.
Visitors are welcome daily from 1 April to
30 September, 10am to 2pm. Entry is by donaton.
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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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.