Continuing Professional Development
Rooted in real-world, practical sessions to help you achieve the outcomes you need
A Strong Background in Practical Making
My background in Design and Technology is rooted in hands-on practical making. I have extensive experience working with the tools, machines and processes commonly found in school workshops, allowing training sessions to focus on practical techniques that teachers can immediately apply in their own lessons.
Sessions can be tailored to the schemes of work being delivered, helping teachers develop both technical confidence and safe working practices within their own teaching context.
Alongside traditional workshop skills, CPD can also focus on digital design and modern manufacturing technologies increasingly used in schools.
Training can include support with:
Fusion 360
TechSoft 2D Design
AutoCAD
SolidWorks
Laser cutting using LightBurn
3D printing
Supporting New Teachers to Design & Technology
In many schools, non-DT-specialist teachers are increasingly asked to teach elements of Design and Technology..
For teachers who have not previously worked in a Design and Technology workshop, this can understandably feel daunting. Supervising pupils using tools and machines requires confidence in both the equipment itself and the safe working practices expected within a workshop environment.
Targeted support and training can help bridge this gap. Sessions can introduce teachers to the safe use of common workshop equipment, explain how practical work is structured within Design and Technology lessons, and demonstrate how projects can be delivered safely while still maintaining strong creative outcomes.
Supporting Departments Transitioning from D&T to 3D Design
Some schools are now choosing to move from GCSE Design and Technology courses towards 3D Design within the Art and Design specification. For some departments this can open up greater opportunities for practical making and creative exploration, but the transition can also raise a number of questions about curriculum structure, assessment and workshop practice.
Moving to 3D Design requires a different approach to planning projects and teaching practical work. Teachers need to understand how the assessment objectives operate within the Art and Design specification, how coursework is structured, and how practical workshop processes can be integrated into a more exploratory, portfolio-based approach.
Having taken over the leadership of a department as they transitioned to the 3D Design specification, I have seen both sides of the coin, and can help with successful implementation of SOWs, assessment criteria and lesson planning.
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