Southwark Schools Put Computer‑Aided Design in the Spotlight
Southwark Schools Put Computer‑Aided Design in the Spotlight
High‑quality curriculum delivery in action: Southwark primary teachers demonstrate how modern Design and Technology can work in real classrooms
The Southwark Design and Technology Network recently hosted a dynamic, hands‑on professional development session focused on Computer‑Aided Design (CAD) using Tinkercad. Led by Lil Jayawardhana, Curriculum Coordinator at St James the Great Primary School, and supported by Isabella, the twilight session brought together subject leaders from ten primary schools across the borough, all keen to build confidence and expertise in digital design.
Research into primary Design and Technology suggests that Computer‑Aided Design (CAD), while included in the Key Stage 2 curriculum, is often less securely taught and is an area where many primary teachers report lower confidence. This makes high‑quality professional development, and networks such as the Southwark D&T Network, particularly important in building teacher subject knowledge, confidence and capacity.
Figure 2: Collaborative learning: teachers working together to master Tinkercad's design features
At the heart of the training is Southwark's commitment to a high‑quality, ambitious and future‑focused D&T curriculum, where strong curriculum design and expert subject leadership are understood as key drivers of high pupil outcomes. Rather than simply talking about CAD, teachers worked directly in Tinkercad, exploring the software in the same way their pupils will—designing, experimenting and problem‑solving in a supportive environment.
Staff from Friars, Robert Browning, Tower Bridge, Snowsfields, Rye Oak, Oliver Goldsmith, St Joseph's, Grove, English Martyrs and St James the Great Primary Schools took part, reflecting strong borough‑wide engagement with D&T. Teachers described the session as "very informative" and said it will "enable me to teach CAD and enable children to learn about Tinkercad" and "help with KS2 teachers' confidence." Many commented that they now "know where to start with CAD" and feel "more confident in supporting teachers with CAD."
Figure 3: Digital design in action: teachers exploring 3D modeling tools that will transform their D&T teaching
The strongly practical nature of the afternoon was a particular highlight. Participants valued "having a play on Tinkercad", the chance to be "hands on with TinkerCAD", and the balance of clear input with time to explore. Exposure to free, shareable resources means staff can now take ideas and materials back to their schools, ensuring the impact of the training reaches many more classrooms.
Teachers left ready to deliver INSET, introduce Tinkercad in Key Stage 2, support colleagues with CAD projects and embed digital design more effectively across their curriculum. In doing so, they are strengthening the quality of D&T planning, teaching and assessment in their schools—laying the foundations for stronger, more equitable outcomes for pupils in Southwark. The Southwark D&T Network shows how subject networks can tackle areas where confidence is traditionally lower, turning a challenging part of the curriculum into a real strength.
Design & Technology Subject Leaders Meeting – Summer Term 2025–2026
St James the Great Primary School, Peckham Road, SE15 5LP
Session 1: 11 June 2026, 3:45pm–5:00pm
Design & Technology Subject Leaders Meeting - Summer Term 2025-2026 | Southwark Schools