Revving Up Creativity!
Masterclass in Year 5 & 6 Design for Pupils
Two British titans, Malvern College and Morgan Motor Company, joined forces to offer The Downs Malvern pupils the opportunity to get under the bonnet and learn about the innovative design, research, and craftsmanship that go into these world-renowned cars.
A pupil from The Downs Malvern said they “loved seeing the car hands-on and learning about it.”
Led by Laura Shales-Harding, Head of Foundation Year and Design & Technology teacher, pupils explored the innovative design, research, and craftsmanship behind Morgan cars. Laura, a true petrolhead, inspired the pupils to unlock their creativity and draw inspiration from their surroundings.
There was also a presentation focused on the brand, appearance, and features of a Morgan car. The pupils learned how car designers find inspiration, including how companies like Mercedes-Benz used the body of a shark to influence the shape of the iconic SLK car. They also had the opportunity to ask questions about Morgan, and pupils mentioned they learned “various facts like the speed, price, and materials that the car is made from.” Next, they brainstormed words they felt described the car and compared them to words that Morgan uses. This exercise helped them think of a range of design techniques to generate ideas for the future Morgan car they would design.
Both Malvern College and Morgan Motor Company share a rich heritage, inspired by their quintessentially British birthplace of Malvern. Both are fiercely proud of their history, rooted in tradition yet home to a community of change-makers and innovators. The first Morgan car was designed and manufactured at Malvern College in what is now the College’s Medical Centre.
“I found the design discussion very engaging, especially looking at how car designs take inspiration from the world around us,” Charlotte, Year 6.
The day continued with a Masterclass on Design, where pupils used creative techniques like “Pass the Picture” to develop their own concepts. Working in groups, they combined the best aspects of their designs, considering both aesthetics and practicality, using materials like leather and wood from Morgan’s workshop. The day culminated in The Build, where each group created a 3D model of their vision for the ‘Future Morgan Car.’
