CREATE Education 3D Printer Loan Scheme

Published 3rd March 2023

Blueprint 1000® member CREATE Education have been continuing its scheme to introduce additive manufacturing to the Primary Curriculum. They are offering a 5-week loan scheme which allows primary schools in the UK to trial and embed 3D printing technologies into the curriculum and assess its effects on pupil learning and progression.

The next wave of the CREATE Education 3D printer loan scheme has commenced and will run until the 31st of March. We have had fantastic feedback from the first wave of the scheme. The scheme is also supported with helpful resources and instructive training webinar which has proved successful.

See what participants had to say…

“On Monday, I started working with the Year 6 children to introduce the 'Tinkercad' program. They were very enthusiastic, and I was very impressed with how they embraced their new learning. We have LOVED it!  Some of the classes are still to use it this week but I've definitely become a pro at slicing and printing but from Year 1 up, they'll have all had a go in some capacity.  My head has loved it too and it definitely encourages problem solving.  We've also shown it to the other schools in our Quad who have been very jealous and it's prompted lots of fantastic discussions about physical computing and our curriculum.  Let's put it this way, there's never a time when it's not on at the moment!”

Alison from Our Lady and St Rose of Lima Catholic Primary School

“I used the printer last week following the set-up meeting with Jessica from CREATE Education.  Our Headteacher was very impressed and very excited about the prospect of purchasing one - watch this space! On Monday, I started working with the Year 6 children to introduce the 'Tinkercad' program. They were very enthusiastic, and I was very impressed with how they embraced their new learning.

The plan is to work with them on Monday afternoons to create the projects. Many of the children were keen to create their own models so I hope that once the projects are complete, they will have time to produce something of their own choice.”

Marie from St Dominic Catholic Primary School

“It has been wonderful to see the awe and wonder on the pupils' faces and to see them get so excited and be so enthusiastic about their learning. I also want to thank the Design and Technology Association and CREATE education for all of their support with the project. Staff have been quick to respond to any queries I have had and the technical support has been great and much appreciated as a non-specialist teacher.”

Sophie from Christopher Pickering Primary school

 For more information about future projects please contact: amelia.wright@designtechnology.org.uk