Leading learning for makers of the future
The Maker{School} programme provides opportunities for children and teachers in primary and early years settings to develop the skills, knowledge and mindsets for future success - inspiring creators, innovators and problem solvers.
Schools are recognised through bronze, silver and gold Maker{School} Awards - a structured approach which supports schools to develop their maker-centred learning.
Teachers can join the Maker{School} Collective - a supportive and inspiring community of teachers.
Join us for our launch event - register today!
Thursday 25th May at The University of Sheffield.
Learn more about how making in schools can revolutionise learning. Be inspired, take away practical ideas and get involved with Maker{School}. The event is free but places are limited. Find out more and register online.
Learn more about how making in schools can revolutionise learning. Be inspired, take away practical ideas and get involved with Maker{School}. The event is free but places are limited. Find out more and register online.
What does a Maker{School} look and feel like?
Seven principles of Maker{School}
Each Maker{School} has its own unique look and feel as a space for children to develop and practice their maker skills and mindsets. Our principles guide all of our work and they will help you to become a Maker{School} - your way.
Playful - Makers are happy to juggle with multiple possibilities with a focus on process over outcomes.
Brave - Children and teachers have the space to try things out, make mistakes and navigate risk.
Taking time - The chance for us to fully engage. Slowing down to think, reflect and refine.
Learning by doing - The more we do, the more strategies we develop and the more we can integrate them into new contexts.
Meaningful - Drawing on the interests, expertise and experiences of children and teachers. You become the makers of your own Maker education.
Authentic - Children are supported to navigate the possibilities and constraints of the real world.
Inclusive - Collaboration and distributed knowledge are valued.
How do we become a Maker{School}?
Maker{School} is a high quality, carefully structured programme to support primary and early years settings. It recognises levels of achievement through the awards of gold, silver or bronze.
Whatever skills, experience or, equipment you have, you can get started with Maker{School}. There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. We will support you to develop your own unique Maker{School} - one that builds on the expertise of your teachers, captures the interests of your children and works with the resources you have.
Each award builds upon the previous to help schools structure their development and achieve recognition for their progress.
Follow the process below to get started...
What does it cost?
There is a £100 administration fee to apply for each award level. This covers our staff time to run the project, provide support and assess your application.
Other costs
We offer a range of free and accessible resources and ways to get started. Typically, schools can expect to fund professional development training, time for staff, equipment and consumables as they develop as a Maker{School}. We also offer visits from our Maker{Move} mobile makerspace.
Bursaries
We have a small number of bursaries to help schools achieve their Bronze and Silver Awards.
Bronze bursary (approx value of £1,000) covers:
Application fee
Maker{Move} visit with twilight staff training
Support and access to resources
Starter Maker{Kit} (while stocks last)
Silver bursary (approx value of £2,500) covers:
Application fee
Whole school training inset day
£800 towards training at our Professional development workshops
Support and access to resources
£1,000 to spend on tools and resources
We rely on funding and donations from our partners and supporters to cover the bursary costs and so the number we have is limited. If you would like to apply for either a Bronze or Silver Bursary, please complete an application here.
If you would like to help more schools become Maker{Schools} by donating to our bursary fund, please get in touch by emailing makerfutures@sheffield.ac.uk - Thank you.
Get inspired!
The Maker{School} Collective is an inspiring, collaborative and supportive community for teachers interested in maker education. We currently meet face to face four times a year in Sheffield to share ideas, get inspiration and eat pizza!
Professional development and training
Whether you are totally new to maker education or are looking for the next step, we offer a range of online, face to face and blended opportunities for schools.
Join us for the launch event - register today!
Thursday 25th May 2023 at The University of Sheffield.
Find out more and register online.