CAD/CAM Framework

Purpose

CAD/CAM is a relatively new area of activity in UK schools and although 2D software has been available for some time, the arrival of 3D Parametric Modelling in 1999 stimulated a much wider range of activities in designing products through modelling and prototype manufacture.

Schools now have a much wider range of both CAD and CAM software available that has stimulated much exciting work, as the examples on this website celebrate. See www.cadinschools.org for more examples of teachers' and students' work, also details of software available through the CAD/CAM in schools programme. The examples on this website are not restricted to the software available through the CAD/CAM in schools programme but will illustrate the whole range of CAD/CAM software used in schools. We rely on contributors from schools to submit examples.

This website was created to illustrate how using either 2D and 3D (or a combination of both) software can support students’ designing and making activities in combination with other methods of modelling ideas.

The aims are:

• to assist teachers in planning schemes and units of work;
• to assist trainers in planning and delivering courses;
• to assist software and hardware vendors in producing training and resource materials  
• matched to curriculum needs;
• to develop and progress the Digital Design and Technology Support programme;
• to show a wide range of materials referencing a wide range of suppliers

Progression in learning 

You will find a set of descriptors that describe the experiences expected of pupils working with CAD/CAM as they progress from Y7 to Y13. There is also information about the experience pupils have of CAD/CAM in the primary school and at the other end of the age range some schools are already starting to meet (and in some cases exceed!) the CAD expectations of Further and Higher education institutions.

Designing, making and CAD/CAM

It is important that CAD/CAM is seen as a tool to use in combination with other modelling and making activities so reference is made to D&T learning objectives where relevant. In addition CAD/CAM has much to offer in developing and reinforcing skills in science, engineering and maths (STEM). These skills are cross-referenced to the descriptors.

Tutorials (this feature is in preparation!)

Having seen an example of a project enhanced by the use of CAD/CAM you may wish to know how it was done. Simply click on the “Show Me” button and choose the medium type (PDF, MP3 or Flash Video) which interests you.

Feedback

This website will continue to evolve over time as new tutorials, materials and new software providers develop links. You may already have something to offer this site or you may have a piece of work in progress which will be of interest to others. Please use the feedback form to advise us. Your feedback is important to us and may also benefit the wider digital design and technology community