Acknowledging student achievements without going down the same well-trodden paths can be challenging, as the new Head of Design at Dover Grammar School for Boys discovered when he started his role. 

But, the ingenious educator devised a unique solution to avoid bland rewards by involving the students in designing their recognition pin badges for high-achieving design and technology students and then came to us to help complete the project.

Expelling Boring Pin Badges 

In September, a new department head took the reins with a mission to reward outstanding DT students. The conventional approach was to choose bog-standard reward badges from online sources, a path many institutions had taken before. Unimpressed with what he found, he said:

"I was new in the post from September and wanted a way of rewarding high-performing DT students in school. I spent a long time looking for a suitable badge, but nothing quite matched my requirements."

Let Designers Design

Recognising the need for a more creative and tailored solution, the Dover School for Boys engaged their students to develop a unique design the students could be proud of. 

The Student-Driven Pin Badge Solution

The head of the design department's idea was to challenge their sixth-form students to design the perfect badge within a super-tight schedule. 

"I decided we should design our own badge. I asked our Sixth-form students to produce a design in a 15-minute design challenge. We had 18 entries, and the students and staff chose the winner."

Both students and staff carefully reviewed each submission, seeking that unique spark that would define the ideal badge. After meticulous evaluation, one design stood out as the winner.

The Power of Student Involvement

Dover Grammar School for Boys' approach provides a compelling case study for educators and institutions for the power of student involvement in creating a more meaningful recognition system. 

Design competitions also emphasise that students are not passive learners but active contributors to the educational process. By having students actively participate in designing their recognition badge, the school acknowledged their academic achievements and celebrated their creative skills.

You Can Take Inspiration

If Dover Grammar School for Boys' journey piques your interest, you can follow their lead. Consider hosting your enamel badge (or any other custom merch) design competition. To help you get started, we've compiled a comprehensive guide on running competitions and a printable pin badge design sheet.

Our step-by-step roadmap covers conception to selection, ensuring a smooth and productive process. The enamel badge guide provides inspiration and ideas to help you harness your students' full potential and unlock their hidden talents.

Key Takeaways

Dover Grammar School for Boys' venture into designing their badges showcases the power of innovation, creativity, and recognition. It serves as an example of how institutions can create a sense of belonging and achievement through a symbol that is more than just a soft enamel pin badge; it's a testament to the potential and excellence of their students.

We can help you realise your educational pin badge projects and breathe new life into lessons, lectures, and classes. Send us a message today to get the ball rolling.