The Makerspace is an open space at the centre of the school surrounded by a number of specialist art and design studios.
The main space is a flexible, multi-disciplinary area called 'the Quad'. The adjoining studios have been equipped to meet the demands of different creative disciplines including 3D design, digital design, photography, fine art and food technology. Please browse this page for full overview of current facilities. We are constantly developing our facilities as we develop our curriculum choosing to adopt a more agile way of working building up resources as and when we develop projects. We believe in adopting an interdisciplinary approach within projects, recognising that artists, designers and craft workers frequently work with a broad range of media and processes. It is not unusual to have students experiment across disciplines within a project. We are also interested in encouraging other subject disciplines to become involved in use of the Makerspace to foster a culture of making and collaboration. There are opportunities for this to take place during a special timetabled periods in the week known as 'Curriculum 21'. |
The Quad
At the centre of the Makerspace is a square (ish) space known as the 'Quad'. This has been set out as a multi-disciplinary making space so it can be flexibly moved around and serve several purposes. We have several large workshop tables for heavy duty work and stackable tables for quickly changing the layout. Enjoy an interactive tour around the Quad space with this Roundme 360 degree panorama:
In the past, we have had drama productions, musical recitals, drop-down days for primary pupils, speeches and exhibitions in the space. It is also used as a practical workshop day-to-day for Art & Design students and we often have exam groups sharing the space whilst working on coursework. We will continue to develop this space and are hoping to collaborate with PGCE and university students around how the space might become a site for exploration around the concept of a Makerspace. If you are interested in being part of a pilot programme, please get in touch.
Digital Design Studio
Computer Suite
We have a studio dedicated to digital media with a suite of 24 iMacs and three high capacity PCs for film editing. We work with standard industry software including the Adobe Creative Suite package ranging from Photoshop to Illustrator and After Effects.
Unsurprisingly, digital media has become increasingly popular with students and we have developed a specific Digital Media course in Year 9 for those students that wish to specialise in this area within the visual arts. The space is also used within our Curriculum 21 programme for students taking part in specific projects involving the use of technology such as robotics, film-making or photography. At GCSE and A-Level , we encourage students to use digital media as a way of recording, creating, documenting and sharing ideas. All students have an e-portfolio in our exam years and we encourage students to share work via Google Photo albums within our learning community. We also try to bring in experts in the field of design technology to share latest development such as virtual reality drawing used by architects to help visualise spaces for clients. |
Photographic Studio
At the back of the digital media studio, there is a photographic studio where you can take photos against green screen or different coloured backgrounds. We have a selection of LED lightweight lights that allow you to capture atmospheric lighting from different angles.
Digital Design & Manufacturing
We also have a laser cutter and engraver, vinyl cutter and 3D Printer, which is based in our Digital Media studio. We are constantly investing in our digital manufacturing facilities as we integrate new technologies into our curriculum.
3D Design Workshop
On the upper level of the Makerspace, we have a studio dedicated to 3D Design where you can make prototype and products using resistant materials. We have a mixture of fixed machinery and hand-held tools to help students craft their work. This space is also used for pottery and sculpture so we have the ability to model, carve and cast. In a separate room, we have a kiln and storage area for ceramic work.
The Kitchen
We also have a kitchen where we teach food technology and our Level 1/2 award in Hospitality and Catering. Students have increasingly become interested in cooking since we started offering it in 2019. We have had students graduate and go onto study at Westminster Kingsway College for sixth form and made connections with a number of food and drink charities. Students love making food to raise money for charity and showing off their business skills in marketing and selling products. We are keen to continue developing this area and, only recently, the school has joined the 'Chefs in Schools' programme and we want to develop a culture of seed-to-plate cooking.
Gallery & Exhibitions
We have a dedicated gallery space for work throughout the year, but also host a number of exhibitions throughout the year. At the end of the autumn and summer terms, the space is used as part of the whole school exhibition in which students from reception to sixth form exhibit work. It is not uncommon to have 4 years olds exhibiting next to 16 year olds. We also host an annual exhibition for the GCSE and A-Level Art & Design students at the end of the summer half term in May. Below are some images from recent exhibitions.