Exploring Design Principles at Paultons Park: A Year 4 D&T Field Trip

Design is everywhere, especially at theme parks!

On Tuesday, Year 4's D&T field trip to Paultons Park provided an excellent opportunity for the boys to understand how design principles are applied in a real-life context. The day began with an engaging workshop centered around the concept of programming rides at Paultons Park. This hands-on session allowed the boys to delve into the intricacies of ride design, where they learned about the various elements that go into creating an enjoyable and safe amusement park experience. The crossover with Digital Learning was clear to see, as the boys were introduced to the basics of coding and how it plays a crucial role in ride design and operation. It was important for the boys to appreciate the linkage between these two exciting and in-vogue subjects, as they saw first-hand how technology and creativity come together to bring thrilling rides to life.

Following the workshop, the remainder of the day was rightfully spent researching more rides to enrich their understanding of the workshop concepts. The boys explored the park, examining different rides and attractions to see how design principles are implemented across various types of rides. This practical research reinforced their workshop learning, making the connection between theoretical knowledge and practical application even stronger.

Overall, the field trip was not only educational but also incredibly enjoyable. It provided a dynamic learning environment where the boys could see the tangible results of design and technology working hand in hand. This experience undoubtedly sparked their interest in both fields, showing them the exciting possibilities that await when they combine creativity with technical skills.

Alex Armstrong
Head of D&T