Pocklington Prep School pupils design living pods

Pocklington Prep School pupils designed modular living spaces in an innovative Design and Technology-themed learning project.

Engaging children in the learning process was at the top of the agenda for the Pocklington Prep teachers who, as subject specialists, were able to map out a week of exciting learning incorporating a whole range of subjects.

The Year 6 pupils investigated the consequences of global warming on housing and communities in geography, learnt about volume and surface area in maths, experimented with structures in science and imagined living in a range of different historical buildings.

Pocklington Prep School Year 6 Teacher and Assistant Head (Curriculum), Mrs Sweeting, said: “The week resulted in the most incredible range of finished living pods, all so individual and unique – just like the pupils themselves.

“Each pod was displayed alongside a concise design, earlier prototypes, a marketing brochure and a painted background. Standing next to the pods was a group of highly enthusiastic, knowledgeable pupils, who were able to talk about their pods in such a way, which left no doubt that far more had been learnt than what was on display.

“When children spontaneously use the words innovative, imaginative and inspirational to talk about their learning, you know you are onto a winner.”

With the recent news that studying subjects such as Design and Technology and Art to GCSE level have been cut in almost half of schools across England, Mrs Sweeting commented: “It seems more important than ever to allow children to experience learning across a rich range of subjects.”

She added: “This has been central to a Pocklington education for many years, and which will soon be supported by the new Art and Design Technology Centre which is currently being built on the senior school campus.”

For more information about Pocklington Prep School, see the school's profile on School Search, the online guide to UK independent schools.