Do British boarding schools offer Design & Technology?
A subject that sits between, and bridges, Art and Science, many British boarding schools offer Design & Technology (DT). Here are just a few examples.
Endowed by former pupil Sir James Dyson, the Dyson Building at Gresham’s School houses an innovative centre for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). Equipped with the latest technology, laboratories, art and design facilities, it aims to disrupt the narrative that people must choose between science and the arts at an early age, and to boost extracurricular STEAM activities. Pupils have space to engage in creative projects, working collaboratively with others to understand how to turn an idea into reality, and to develop their decision-making skills. Highlights include building and racing electric cars, competing internationally with VEX robotics kits, 3D printing, and the design, build and flying of drones.
Taunton School’s DT department is well resourced, with multi-colour 3D printing and scanning, laser cutters, drones, VR headsets, a dedicated metalwork workshop, three studio classrooms, and two makerspace workshops with a variety of CNC equipment, machines, and hand tools. Prep pupils enjoy DT lessons in Saturday Enrichment sessions, while DT scholarships are available from 11+, with scholars benefitting from additional sessions and resources to develop their skills. Lessons cover the full spectrum that makes DT such a wonderful subject, while the co-curricular programme includes many different activities, such as Greenpower, Fashion Club, and Innovator Sessions. A recent DT student gained a coveted Arkwright Engineering Scholarship due to his talents and the school’s support.
Popular with West Buckland School students from Year 5 right up to A Level, the DT department features a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) room and two spacious workshops with advanced equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, and CNC routers. Pupils regularly visit this lively and welcoming space during lunchbreaks and after school to work on projects and receive support to explore their creativity. Consisting of students from Years 7 to 11, the Greenpower Race Team has designed and built a battery-powered car that competes nationally, qualifying for the Green Powered International Finals at Goodwood for four consecutive years. Ranked 7th in the world, the team also manages its own marketing and sponsorship, gaining valuable experience in project management and business skills, as evidenced by its website!
If this sounds like something to fire your young designer’s imagination, contact us so we can tell you more about which British boarding schools offer Design & Technology.
