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A workspace for a designer was created, in a prominent position in the Technology Block. The space is visible, yet private enough to allow a designer to function in a professional capacity. It is a modern, light-filled studio, built from glass bricks and panels. A designer was found: Dean Percival, a recent BSc Product Design graduate from The Nottingham Trent University. As a former student of Ashfield School, he is well known and respected by the current students. His personal image is appealing to them and is helping to promote a modern, positive image of the subject. As 'Designer in Residence', Dean is contracted to work with the students for sixteen hours each week. He runs a 'drop in' design advice clinic, for Key stage 4 and 5 students to gain feedback about their work, he supports the teachers in Post 16 lessons and he prepares resources to assist teaching of design, giving a professional perspective of the subject. An additional benefit to the school is the opportunity to see Dean working on his own design work. Students can see how a professional designer uses the same processes to solve problems, often displaying his work to inspire them. The affects of having a design emphasis on work and a designer resident in the school have given the subject a newfound popularity. Students are more enthusiastic and the quality of design work has improved. This is reflected in the increased exam results: with 43% of students achieving grades A* - C at GCSE, an increase of 10% over the last two years. Jo Hayes - Assistant Head of Faculty
| Ashfield School - A Technology College |
