Developing and embedding
Awarded to schools where making is regarded by all as intrinsically valuable and is understood to be an important pedagogical tool. The three elements of exploration, skill builder and tinker time are used within all phases and across curriculum subjects. Making is connected to real world problems in authentic ways that are meaningful to children. The setting identifies and incorporates expertise distributed throughout its community.
Who is this for?
The Maker{School} Silver Award supports schools to embed maker practice across the school. At this level there is a whole school approach to Maker{School} with commitment required at all levels. It is expected that most schools will gain this award within 2-3 years.
Each award builds upon the previous to help schools structure their development and achieve recognition for their progress. Schools will usually have completed their bronze award before working towards the silver.
Requirements
Silver will be awarded to schools where;
planning for the development of Maker{School} is evident in whole school strategic priorities
children are regularly making in all phases and across curriculum subjects.
original resources are developed and shared using the Maker{School} approach to project design (minimum 3)
teachers contribute to Maker{Collective} sessions
children have access to inspiration and expertise from other children, the wider school community, local, national and international groups.
Ready to become a Sliver Maker{School}?
The process is simple and easy to complete.
Planning
Most schools will have completed their bronze award first.
Headteacher and Chair of Governors to sign the agreement
Doing
Become an active member of the Maker{School) Collective
Choose and attend training workshops and events
Get making at school check out our resources and ready-made projects
Start planning your own projects - take a look at our Project Planning Template on the resources page.
Awarding
Submit your portfolio (take a look at the quick guide below)
Receive your award and celebrate!
Re-register and repeat for the next award
Get started
Suggestions for making a start on your silver award...
Book your whole school INSET - Developing as a Maker{School}. Introducing tools, classroom makerspaces, suppliers, safety & risk, pedagogy & practice
The Getting started with...training series:
Materials & tools
Electronics
Digital literacies
Computing coding and robotics
3D digital design and fabrication
Incorporate expertise from children and the wider community into your Maker club and Makerspaces.
Provide opportunities for the wider school community to get involved in making
Hold your own Maker Festival to celebrate all things Maker!
Portfolio
You will need to complete a simple portfolio for each award. Here's how....
We ask you to reflect on teacher practice and children's learning.
Your portfolio should demonstrate how your school has met the requirements of the award.
We are happy to accept submissions in any format that meet the requirements of the award.
physical scrapbook
website
PowerPoint or similar
film
something else
We encourage you to include multi-modal evidence such as photos, videos and social media posts as well as text based documentation and commentary.
You should work with the whole school community to produce your portfolio.
Take a look at our quick guide (PDF 1.2 MB)
Silver Quick guide.pdf
After submission
Once you have have completed and submitted your portfolio, it will be assessed by our experienced team. Your school will be given feedback and the chance to make any changes needed before gaining your award.
You can share your portfolio with your school community and, of course, use it for your own professional development.
