Architecture in Schools: Primary

Annual Architecture Programme for primary schools: Spring and Summer Term

Architecture and the built environment is something that has an impact on all our daily lives but it is the one thing we generally don’t learn about.  Open-City has been delivering architecture education programmes for over 10 years and works with 3,000 young people a year. All of our education programmes are FREE to schools and draw on our experience as a leader in the field of architecture education.

If you are a primary school teacher and would like to find out how your school can get involved please contact Avital Wittenberg or phone on 020 7383 5722

The programme

Architecture in Schools: Primary is a comprehensive and packed programme for primary school students in year 5 and 6 (8-11 year olds). The programme brings students into contact with key pieces of exemplary London architecture. Building explorations encourage young people to become ‘architectives’, to look for clues, learn design skills and see ways in which people use space. This direct experience leads on to creative workshops in the classroom.

Annual programme outline:

Step 1: Evening Training Seminar
A key part of the programme, teachers and architects receive practical help and advice to prepare for the building explorations and workshops, and have the opportunity to meet and discuss ideas with others taking part in the programme.

Step 2: Introducing the brief in class
Open-City Education Volunteers go into class to introduce the brief to pupils and to help them begin their investigations into eco-design.

Step 3: Building explorations: one half day
Each class explors one of London's exciting buildings - the visits are led by their partner architect and the building's representative, and supported by an Education Volunteer. Open-City provide on-site activities and resources; architects are also encouraged to develop additional materials specific to their partner class.

Step 4: Evening model-making training for teachers and architects
All teachers, architects and volunteers are invited to develop their model-making skills to use with pupils back in the class, in a hands-on workshop.

Step 5: Classroom workshop: one half day
Architects and Education Volunteers go into their partner schools and help pupils develop their ideas and prepare their competition entries.

Step 6: Awards competition, exhibition and prize-giving
At the end of the project, pupils are invited to submit their work to the Programme Awards competition. Winners were receive prizes and have their work exhibited at an awards reception. Awards are also given for Teacher of the Year, Architect of the Year and Education Volunteer of the Year.

Click here to download the full 2010 Awards programme which showcases the winning work from last year's programme.

 

 

 

MyGreenSchool

Are you a teacher of 7-12 year olds and fancy exploring sustainability and architecture with your students?

Then try out the unique My Green School Curriculum-Linked Lessons complete with Teachers Guide

 

 

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