Start with Safety
Learn how the shop works, how to set up your space and when to ask for help. Staff watch you demonstrate the basics.
PRINT AND PLAY ACADEMY / AGES 9–17
Learn a skill.
Make it your own.
For young makers aged 9 to 17 who want to keep making progress. Start with Safety, choose the core skills that interest you and use them in projects during your arranged studio time.
New to making or picking up a new skill? Both belong here.
Pick your skills
Choose a core badge. Learn by doing, practise the essentials and show a member of staff what you can do.
Make during studio time
Tap your NFC passport at check-in. Use your approved skills for your own projects during your booked studio time.
EVERYONE STARTS HERE
The Safety badge.
One clear foundation for every maker. It opens the door to learning the other core skills.
- Identify the exits, first-aid point and how to get staff help.
- Demonstrate suitable clothing, tidy workspace and the correct protective equipment.
- Explain hot surfaces, sharp tools, electrical boundaries and when to stop and ask.
- Set up, work and clean up a simple task while staff observe.
CHOOSE WHAT YOU WANT TO MAKE
A few meaningful badges.
A lot of possibilities.
Choose one skill or build a collection. Projects give you room to practise without a long ladder of extra badges.
AFTER SAFETY
Breadboard
Build, test and change low-voltage circuits without solder.
What you’ll demonstrate
- Identify breadboard connections, component polarity and a current-limited low-voltage supply.
- Build an LED circuit with the correct resistor from a diagram.
- Disconnect power before changing the circuit; find and correct a simple fault.
- Explain and demonstrate a working circuit, then return the parts.
Then make: Develop approved breadboard circuits during your session.
See the workshopAFTER SAFETY
Soldering
Learn heat control, clean joints and careful assembly.
What you’ll demonstrate
- Set up the iron, stand, extraction and protective equipment with staff.
- Identify hot zones and demonstrate safe handling and hand hygiene.
- Make and inspect several sound practice joints; identify a cold joint or bridge.
- Assemble and test a simple low-voltage project, power down and clean the station.
Then make: Use the soldering station for approved projects during studio time.
See the workshopAFTER SAFETY
3D printing
Turn a model into a considered, sliced print.
What you’ll demonstrate
- Choose the correct printer, material and build plate with staff.
- Import and orient a model; inspect scale, supports, time and material estimate.
- Follow the supervised start procedure and recognize a failing first layer.
- Wait for safe removal, inspect the part and leave the printer ready.
Then make: Prepare and run staff-approved print jobs during your visit.
See the workshopAFTER SAFETY
3D design
Measure an idea and make a model of your own.
What you’ll demonstrate
- Measure and sketch an object with clear units and dimensions.
- Build a simple editable model and change a measured feature.
- Check wall thickness, clearances and how it could be manufactured.
- Save the editable source and export a correctly scaled model; explain the design.
Then make: Use the design tools and work on original models in the studio.
See the workshopAFTER SAFETY
Hand tools
Measure, hold, assemble and finish with control.
What you’ll demonstrate
- Select and inspect the tools needed for a small assembly.
- Clamp or support the work and keep hands outside the cutting or slipping path.
- Measure, mark and assemble accurately using the demonstrated tools.
- Check the result, identify damaged tools and return everything safely.
Then make: Use the specific hand tools signed off by staff on your projects.
Ask about this badgeAFTER SAFETY
Coding
Make an interactive idea respond to your instructions.
What you’ll demonstrate
- Open a starter project and explain its inputs and outputs.
- Make a deliberate change using variables, conditions or repetition.
- Find and fix a bug by testing one change at a time.
- Save a working project and show staff how someone else can run it.
Then make: Use the studio coding tools for games, apps for Atlas and approved devices.
Ask about this badgeAFTER SAFETY
Painting & finishing
Bring a print or miniature to life with a thoughtful finish.
What you’ll demonstrate
- Choose approved materials, ventilation and protection with staff.
- Prepare a sample surface using the demonstrated method.
- Apply controlled coats and explain drying and handling steps.
- Show the finished sample and clean tools and waste correctly.
Then make: Use approved painting and finishing materials during your session.
Ask about this badgeYOUR MAKER PASSPORT
Skills that stay with you.
Staff record your completed badges in your Academy passport. Your NFC tag opens that record, so your approved skills are ready to check when you return.
Your tag is a link to your passport; the achievement record stays with Academy. Booking a session or saving a project doesn’t award a badge on its own; staff sign off each skill you demonstrate.
What a badge means in the store
Work on activities covered by your badges during your booked time. Staff help you choose a suitable project and confirm the tools, materials and supervision it needs.
Equipment availability, age-appropriate supervision and material charges still apply. A badge isn’t an unlimited session or unattended access.
Open your passportCOME LEARN. COME BACK TO MAKE.
Choose your time in the studio.
Check each option for included time, availability and materials. Badges are awarded only when staff observe and sign off each skill. Academy sessions are for ages 9–17; adults can earn badges through our workshops.