At TechSoft we are often asked for advice by both HOD’s and architects about the sort of provision required to deliver CAD/CAM across a D&T department. Of course individual school’s requirements will always vary according to numbers, existing provision, etc. However we felt that it would be useful to put together some recommendations as to what a sensible provision would be for a “standard” school. Our team of experienced ex-D&T teachers and Heads of Departments have come up with a range of recommendations based on their personal teaching experience, and the experience of visiting hundreds of schools up and down the country. They came up with three categories of provision based not just on cost, but on the school’s circumstances., eg., an 11-18 Technology College may well expect to deliver CAD/CAM at a higher level than a 11-16 general comprehensive school.

Having generated these equipment lists, we felt that it would be a good idea to offer them to schools as complete packages:

D&T Basic

This is the minimum provision we would advise to deliver CAD/CAM in an 11-16 school. It will ensure that all materials areas within the KS3 D&T curriculum have shared access to appropriate CAD/CAM resources, and it will provide a basic level of resource for students at KS4.

D&T Standard

This level of provision will enable an 11-16 school to build a D&T curriculum that includes CAD/CAM as a key component of student’s work throughout KS3 and KS4. It is particularly appropriate for schools with Technology or Engineering specialist status, and should be considered the minimum provision to resource A/S, A level or IB courses.

D&T Premium

This is an appropriate level of provision for schools placing a strong emphasis on modern manufacturing in their D&T curriculum, and should be the level to which all schools and colleges aspire. It should be regarded as the standard for schools undergoing new build or refurbishment programs.

Textiles Add-On

Textiles is an important aspect of Design and Technology and one that particularly lends itself to CAD/CAM, both to enhance the range and quality of products that can be made, and to reflect industrial practise. The general D&T packages above will provide some resources for textiles teachers, but we felt it would be helpful to list extra packages as “add-ons” for schools with, or wishing to develop, particular strength in this area. The advantage of adding textile resources alongside the main D&T package, is that schools can be assured of compatibility and common learning platforms in all areas of D&T.

Training Add-On

Training is a vital ingredient when equipping a department with new CAD/CAM machinery. Many TechSoft machines are supplied with Inset training packs, and some come with on-site training included. However it is advisable, especially when purchasing a large number of machines, to consider additional ‘add-on’ training days.

Contents

Of course, TechSoft are always happy to talk to schools about their individual requirements if the packages shown are not suitable. We can also supply standard material bundles to help relieve teachers of the burden of having to make dozens of purchasing decisions at an already stressful time.