Learning For key stages 2, 3, 4 and 5
Hands-on Design Workshops
Using handling collections of contemporary design objects, students can interact with key designs through experiential learning. Hour-long workshops support students to gain new perspectives on the role of designers and the impact of design in everyday life.
For key stages 2, 3, 4 and 5.
What to expect
Creative briefs introduce the concept of user-centred design and encourage young people to develop design ideas that meet real needs. Workshops support the National Curriculum for Design and Technology and incorporate STEM subjects for Key Stage 3, as well as relevant KS4 and post-16 qualifications.
Learning outcomes include:
Observation
Product handling and evaluation
Drawing
Discussion
Responding to a design brief
Topics available
Designer Maker User
Find out about the making process and learn about the design process and the steps to making the end product.
Suitable for KS2 & 3
Stranger By Design
Come and find out about the world of unconventional design that often hides the true meaning of the object function.
Suitable for KS2,3 & 4
Chairs and seating
Look at why the chair is the ultimate design challenge and why the user has the last say on whether a chair becomes a classic or a relic.
Suitable for KS2, 3, 4 & 5
Lighting
Find out how lighting can give messages, set the mood, make or break your day at school and help you to customise the space you inhabit.
Suitable for KS3, 4 & 5
Booking information
Hands-on design workshops run Mondays – Thursdays during term time only.
10.30, 11.45 and 13.30 (1 hour)
Please arrive at least 15 minutes in advance of your session.
Cost: £150 per session (up to 30 students)
Accompanying staff free at all school events. Advance booking essential. Booking school workshops at least 12 weeks in advance is recommended.
Hands-on design workshops include access to the common room lunch area and an allotted timeslot entry for the Designer Maker User permanent collection. Please be aware that we request a returnable deposit for use of our school group lockers located in the common room, which can be in the form of cash or a personal item of value.
Please see below for your itinerary. This is based on the workshop session times available to book. This information will also be included in your booking confirmation.
10.30 session
10.30-11.30 workshop + 11.30-12.00 lunch room + 12.15-13.00 Designer Maker User gallery
OR
11.45 session
10.45-11.30 Designer Maker User gallery + 11.45-12.45 workshop + 13:00-13.30pm lunch room
OR
13.30 session
12.00-12.30 lunch room + 13.00-13.30 Designer Maker User gallery + 13.30-14.30 workshop
It is strongly recommended that teachers come for a preliminary visit to familiarise themselves with the museum and surrounding area.
Additional documents
For exhibition teacher notes, articles and design stories please visit our learning website Discover Design.
Please read the Design Museum's terms and conditions before your visit.
Download the Risk Identification document to help write your risk assessment.
The museum is fully accessible via wheelchair with lifts operating across all floors inside the premises. The Design Museum has limited parking for learning groups with additional access needs. Please visit the Museum's access page to find out more information.
New Programme
Get in touch
Have a question? You can contact the team via learning@designmuseum.org for further information.