Turtle Stitch Day
St Johns J and I School
Description
Proposal: Launching the Adventurous Programming DT Enrichment Day
1. Content
Content: This day introduces children to "Adventurous Programming" by bridging maths, computer science & DT. Children learn how to apply geometric coding logic to create physical textile products, completing the DT cycle: design, make, & evaluate.
Resources & Methods: Inspired by Margaret Lowe's presentation at the CAS conference, we will use TurtleStitch—a blocks-based coding platform where instructions move a virtual turtle to map out intricate embroidery paths. The designs are compiled & transferred to our newly funded Brother F540e embroidery machine to print directly onto fabric. To deliver this effectively, I will attend training at Warwick University.
2. Goals
Full DT Cycle: Move beyond old limitations where children could only print designs on paper. This technology allows students to make & evaluate.
Introduce Elite Technology: Deliver high-level, industry-standard equipment & manufacturing concepts that would never normally be accessible in a primary classroom.
Upskill School Staff: I will cascade this technical knowledge to all school staff during our January training day
Foster Enterprise & Future Skills: Establish a foundation for a future after-school club where pupils create commercial products (eg purses) to sell at the Christmas fair, raising school funds while teaching real-world business & enterprise skills.
3. Target Group
Audience: Class 5 students during the initial rollout, expanding in future
Inclusivity: We are actively & intentionally targeting SEND children & those from ethnic minorities, using tactile, visual, & hands-on making to break down language or learning barriers & boost confidence.
4. What Makes It Special?
Primary School First: It turns abstract mathematical code into physical, touchable art. Watching a machine automatically stitch a self-coded design onto fabric completely transforms understanding of technology.
Empowerment Through Production: Rather than just consuming tech, children become creators & manufacturers. This builds deep pride & vital, tangible skills for their future careers.
5. Registration
Rollout Timeline: Teacher training at Warwick University & resource procurement will occur this term. Class 5 trials begin immediately after, leading to the whole-staff cascade in January.
Future Extension: Information regarding the Enterprise After-School Club & opportunities to design items for school events in future
1. Content
Content: This day introduces children to "Adventurous Programming" by bridging maths, computer science & DT. Children learn how to apply geometric coding logic to create physical textile products, completing the DT cycle: design, make, & evaluate.
Resources & Methods: Inspired by Margaret Lowe's presentation at the CAS conference, we will use TurtleStitch—a blocks-based coding platform where instructions move a virtual turtle to map out intricate embroidery paths. The designs are compiled & transferred to our newly funded Brother F540e embroidery machine to print directly onto fabric. To deliver this effectively, I will attend training at Warwick University.
2. Goals
Full DT Cycle: Move beyond old limitations where children could only print designs on paper. This technology allows students to make & evaluate.
Introduce Elite Technology: Deliver high-level, industry-standard equipment & manufacturing concepts that would never normally be accessible in a primary classroom.
Upskill School Staff: I will cascade this technical knowledge to all school staff during our January training day
Foster Enterprise & Future Skills: Establish a foundation for a future after-school club where pupils create commercial products (eg purses) to sell at the Christmas fair, raising school funds while teaching real-world business & enterprise skills.
3. Target Group
Audience: Class 5 students during the initial rollout, expanding in future
Inclusivity: We are actively & intentionally targeting SEND children & those from ethnic minorities, using tactile, visual, & hands-on making to break down language or learning barriers & boost confidence.
4. What Makes It Special?
Primary School First: It turns abstract mathematical code into physical, touchable art. Watching a machine automatically stitch a self-coded design onto fabric completely transforms understanding of technology.
Empowerment Through Production: Rather than just consuming tech, children become creators & manufacturers. This builds deep pride & vital, tangible skills for their future careers.
5. Registration
Rollout Timeline: Teacher training at Warwick University & resource procurement will occur this term. Class 5 trials begin immediately after, leading to the whole-staff cascade in January.
Future Extension: Information regarding the Enterprise After-School Club & opportunities to design items for school events in future
Age group
10 - 11
Difficulty
Type Hybrid-Event
Date 13.10.2026 09:00 - 15:00
Max. Participants 30
You want to take part in? Please contact our local contact person.
Participation is free.
Contact St Johns J and I School
Website: Carla Hall - https://www.wakefieldstjohnscofeschool.co.uk/
Mail of contact person: chall@st-johns.wakefield.sch.uk
Social media wakefieldstjohns
Share on Social Media
Difficulty
Type Hybrid-Event
Date 13.10.2026 09:00 - 15:00
Max. Participants 30
You want to take part in? Please contact our local contact person.Participation is free.
Contact St Johns J and I School
Website: Carla Hall - https://www.wakefieldstjohnscofeschool.co.uk/Mail of contact person: chall@st-johns.wakefield.sch.uk
Social media wakefieldstjohns
Share on Social Media
