The Big D&T Meet Conference

We attended the fantastic 'Big D&T Meet' conference on 12th July 2024, organised by Kate Finlay and her team from Hethersett Academy. There was a real buzz in the air especially as it's been some time since any big D&T events like this have taken place. Hundreds of D&T teachers attended workshops and talks and there was a 'mini village' featuring a wide range of companies and suppliers. It was great to talk to so many people with a real passion for D&T and there are already plans for this fantastic event to run again next year. Definitely one to book if you get the chance. Find out more about the event. 

Our workshops at the conference focused on ideas for delivering learning through hands on activities. In particular, the session focused on how learning on levers and mechanisms and timber, metals, polymers and paper and board can be delivered in a way that is engaging for students with a particular interest in textiles. Although targeted at textiles teachers the content was also relevant to anyone interested in other materials. 

Free resources mentioned in the workshops:

• Resources on 1st, 2nd and 3rd class levers

• Videos on our You Tube page showing levers and mechanisms in a sewing machine

• Knowledge organisers and retrieval activities on materials

  
  

Participants did several hands on activities, including handling a range of materials and creating a mini memo board. All activities were planned in a way that focused on covering the maximum amount of learning rather than just producing an outcome. Find out more about one of the activities.

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