For D&T trouble-shooter Steve Stott the CAD/CAM revolution is fraught with dangers. Though it has revolutionised classroom teaching, traditional designing often takes a back seat Steve is a full-time advisor for Barking and Dagenham LEA. Along with the University of Cambridge he has pioneered a new work scheme which takes students back to the first principles of designing. Using simple pencil drawing, he asks students to break down familiar images, such as animals, plants and people into familiar geometric shapes, which become the basis of designs for functional objects such as CD and toothbrush holders. This happens via a refinement of drawings, crude cardboard prototyping, CAD work using PROdesktop software and eventually CAM. In this programme Stott works with teachers from Barking and Dagenham, showing them how to apply his methods in their classrooms.

Video Series: KS3/4 Design and Technology
Release Date 2006