To help drive the economic recovery, the UK Government has overhauled the design and technology syllabus following an earlier draft of the document placed too much emphasis on topics such as sewing, cooking, bicycle maintenance and flower arranging. Complains by Sir James Dyson (the inventor) among others set the wheels in motion to change the curriculum. The curriculum published earlier this year had prioritised “life skills” over academic disciplines. The new curriculum will now cover extensive use of cutting-edge design equipment including laser cutters, robotics and 3D printers. The new-style lessons will start from 2014 and will place a greater emphasis on the core knowledge that each pupil will require between the age of five and 14.
![]() This rates amongst the more interesting of 3D printing applications that I've come across ... a 3D printed exoskeletal cast for a broken limb. It performs the same function as an ordinary plaster cast, of immobilising the limb so that the bones can knit and heal, but it also enables the circulation of air and the wearing of long sleeves and trousers because of the thin profile. The cast snaps securely together once it is fitted over the limb. |
AuthorScott Phillips is a lawyer, designer and technologist, fascinated by the potential and the promise of 3D printing. CategoriesArchives
March 2016
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