How Durlston Court is training engineering and technology professionals of the future

Durlston Court Prep School’s new development is in response to the need for engineering professionals...

In a world of ever-changing technology it was clear to Durlston Court Prep School that they needed to equip their pupils for a future where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects play a major role in industry.

Philip Greenish, the chief executive of the Royal Academy of Engineering said in his letter to the Financial Times: “We need about 1.25m science, engineering and technology professionals and technicians by 2020 including a high proportion of engineers, to support the UK’s economic recovery.”

In order to help address this Durlston Court sought to convert a redundant assembly hall and with significant investment created a new Design and Technology Centre. The design of the building itself was as important as the equipment and the new Design and Technology Centre is a large, light and airy space, with high ceilings, painted brick walls and exposed roof trusses which convey its construction to the children. The environment itself makes a huge difference to the delivery of the Design and Technology curriculum and children love to inhabit the space. There is a tangible excitement from the pupils.

The centre was officially opened, by Professor Maggs, Executive Dean at The Faculty of Science & Technology at Bournemouth University, during which pupils were on hand to assist parents and visitors with a range of activities and to demonstrate the new equipment including 3D printers and a laser cutter.

The use of CAD CAM was central to the upgrading of facilities and it has allowed Durlston pupils to experience the skills of industry and to experience the real wonder of producing a machine made product, which via the CAD they are able to have design input. Children use sewing machines from Year 5 and are now able to laser cut panels to sew. They solder components into Pickaxe PCB boards and have been able to 3D print components to use in other projects. Durlston has incorporated the use of computers into the department and has a strong STEM programme where the teaching of programming and coding feeds the children’s thirst for the subject.

Faye Lawrence, Head of Design and Technology at Durlston Court explained, “Durlston Court is committed to preparing pupils for their future and the new facility, with its emphasis on industrial process, will equip pupils for their future Design and Technology education at senior level.”

She added: “It is vital we ensure our pupils are equipped to participate in the workforce in an era of rapid technological change. Our young people need to study science and technology for a brighter future.”

For more information about Durlston Court Prep School, see their profile on School Search, the leading online guide to UK independent schools.