Beyond the Classroom: Lessons from a Polymers Study Tour
By Sarah Belgrove; Learning Team Leader D&T, Coundon Court
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Teaching Design and Technology can be challenging at times, not least because of the breadth of knowledge required and the rapid pace of developments within the subject. That’s why I was genuinely grateful to secure a place on the polymers study tour this autumn. I had always considered myself fairly knowledgeable about polymers and had seen the course advertised before, but I often dismissed it, assuming I was too busy or that my understanding was already strong enough. What I didn’t anticipate was just how much I would gain from attending.
To start with, the team at IoM3 (Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining) were so knowledgeable and so enthusiastic about the content that they were delivering. It was delivered in a way that was not overwhelming, but they also took into consideration the context that we would need for back in the classroom.
The first day began with an introduction to the company and a guided tour of the polymers factory. We were encouraged to take photos, record videos and ask as many questions as we liked. Although much of the process was already familiar to me, the opportunity to explore their QA and QC procedures in detail, especially in relation to the specific products being manufactured, was invaluable.
It was also fascinating to learn more about their approach to sustainability and energy conservation. We left the tour with a bag full of samples, including blow moulded products, polymer pellets and even waste offcuts from the forming process, along with contact details to help arrange future student visits. In the afternoon, we took part in an in depth presentation on the science of polymers. Delivered by experts, it balanced clear, accessible explanations with the deeper chemistry needed to understand how polymers behave and why they are suited to such a wide range of applications.
On the second day, we had the chance to experiment with polymers using equipment typically found in a classroom. It was refreshing to get hands‑on, try out different techniques and share ideas with other enthusiastic practitioners. The conversations were a real highlight — an opportunity to compare approaches, discuss what we each do in our schools, and reflect on how we deliver the subject. We also took a deeper look at polymers and the environment, which was the part I found most thought‑provoking. The sessions challenged some common assumptions about how harmful polymers are and explored the complexities of sustainability in a much more nuanced way.
Overall, the experience was incredibly valuable and genuinely enjoyable. There were so many opportunities to talk with other teachers on the tour and share ideas about how we deliver the subject in our own schools. We discussed everything from curriculum planning and budgeting to staffing challenges, and it was refreshing to connect with people who care about the subject just as much.
And of course, the fact that the entire weekend was fully funded, including food and accommodation, was a fantastic bonus. As for downsides? The tours run on a Friday and Saturday, so some cover is required and you technically ‘lose’ a day of your weekend. But I say ‘lose’ very lightly; I enjoyed it so much that it did not feel like a sacrifice at all. In fact, several participants had attended the tour before and chose to return at a different site because the experience was that worthwhile.
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