The Collective is a supportive and inspiring community of teachers interested in all things 'maker'. It is a chance for colleagues to ask questions, share ideas and influence the future direction of Maker{School}. We currently meet about six times a year in Sheffield (or online) to try out some making, get inspired and grab a bite to eat!
To be kept up-to-date and to book your place at upcoming sessions, join the Collective by completing our short online form.
Collective dates for your diary
16th January 2025
26th February 2025
26th March 2025
7th May 2025
19th June 2025
How does it work?
After-school 16:00 - 17:30
Light supper provided at F2F sessions
Approx. 6 sessions per year
FREE - booking required
All welcome - bring along your colleagues!
What does the Maker{School} Collective look like?
By teachers, for teachers
Teachers take the lead in choosing the focus, presenting and planning of the sessions.Collaborative
Network, share and learn in a relaxed setting with support from colleagues who have ‘been there’.Hands on
Practical activities to try straight away in your school.Opportunities
Get involved in local, national and international projects.Influential
Give your perspective to shape funding and research priorities at the University of Sheffield.
Upcoming Collective meetings
Thursday 16th January 2025, 16:00 - 17:30
Traditional Tales, Untraditionally Told
Join the project team for ‘Traditional Tales, Untraditionally Told ‘ and explore how multilingual families use their languages when engaging in joint activities - like making!
We'll be sharing the activities and observations from a series of family workshops which include;
crafting characters and settings and incorporating multilingualism
using stop motion to capture stories digitally
using the Octostudio app to code and create simple animations
recording voices in heritage languages.
We'll hear from a teacher from one of our partner schools and let you know how you can get involved and access the free resources.
Venue: Online session
Wednesday 26th February 2025, 16:00 - 17:30
Digital embroidery
Join teachers Lucy and Wil for an exciting, hands-on Collective where coding meets digital embroidery! Together, they will guide and share classroom projects which blend creativity with technology and design intricate, stitch-based art using Turtlestitch and our embroidery machines.
A light supper will be provided - feel free to invite your colleagues!
Venue: In-person session on the University of Sheffield campus.
Wednesday 26th March 2025, 16:00 - 17:30
Making for Enterprise
We'll explore a wide range of enterprise projects perfect for students — from making badges and key rings to bookmarks and coasters.
Learn about the history of makers through engaging books and find inspiration for your own creations.
If you are working towards a Maker{School} award bring your portfolio and our Maker team will be available for advice and next steps.
Venue: Hybrid. You can join in-person on the University of Sheffield campus or online.
Wednesday 7th May 2025, 16:00 - 17:30
Digital literacy tools and Twine
Dr Angela Colvert from the School of Education will lead a hands-on session on digital literacy tools and Twine. Find out how to integrate digital tools into your classroom and create interactive narratives.
Venue: Online session
Thursday 19th June 2025, 16:00 - 17:30
Making with Leather
Discover the art of working with leather, from understanding the material to using various tools for cutting and shaping. Leather is a versatile material and in this session you'll learn how to craft your own leather pieces including keychains and bag charms.
A light supper will be provided - feel free to invite your colleagues!
Venue: Hybrid. You can join in-person on the University of Sheffield campus or online.
If there is a topic you would like us to cover or share in these sessions please let us know.
How can the Maker{School} approach harness your existing curriculum to inspire creators, innovators and problem solvers?
Join us for your free INSET day at the University of Sheffield.
How do we become a Maker{School}?
You can register your interest in becoming a Maker{School} and join our mailing list. Take a look at how our awards process works or get in touch with the Maker{Futures} team to find out more.