To meet our curriculum aims, Holy Cross Primary has fostered a relationship with Plymouth University and their Architecture programme. Over the past two years, children from both EYFS and Key Stage 1 have spent time working in partnership with first year architecture students to develop and enhance both the Holy Cross pupils’ knowledge of Design Technology and the Plymouth University students' understanding of 'designing for the user'.
Over the course of the two projects, children worked with the students to design mood boards, build structures and discuss their likes and dislikes relevant to the concepts being explored: comfort and play.
Students then used these ideas as a spring board to design structures which could be incorporated into spaces at Holy Cross. Once concepts had been explored and developed, the children and school staff were invited to view the models and art work of the students' designs. Children from our school played a vital role in deciding which projects were then brought in and installed into our school.
This working relationship with the University has allowed children at Holy Cross to develop their understanding of architecture and the importance of designing for users. The projects have inspired children to think about their future career choices and allowed them the opportunity to be creative and to build their DT skills in an environment outside of the classroom. The University students have benefitted from the opportunity to explore their creativity and playfulness with designing whilst reminding them that the needs of the consumer are vital when designing and building.