Nursery
Team Work is the Dream Work
Designers rarely work alone and one of the fun ways we learn to co-operate with others and learn to compromise on our ideas, is to work on ‘den building’ together. In Nursery we have great fun, using construction kits and netting. You have to use all your strength to ensure that the pieces will hold together, once children are inside. The last thing you want is for your shelter to collapse. This would be almost impossible to achieve on our own, but together we had great fun, learnt new skills and just how much fun it can be to change our minds, take it apart and build a completely different design next time.
Reception
Year 1
Year 1 were able to join materials and construct a model of a house. They explored how different materials could be cut, shaped and joined. Using junk model resources, they brought their design to life.
The whole school celebrated Diwali and every year group had the opportunity to make a ‘diva lamp’. Here are some of our youngest children learning how to shape and create using clay – what fun!
Year 2
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Year 2 learnt how to sew, using running stitch, when making their hand puppets. The actual sewing was the easiest part; threading the needle and tying a knot in the end of the thread – much trickier! This was a good example of ‘practice makes perfect’. It took a lot of ‘tries’, but they did it and were proud of their results.
Children also designed and made Diva lamps for Diwali.
Year 2 visited Kingswood to give our families a glimpse of what the residential trip could be like. We especially enjoyed den building, learning how to safely carry branches, build a sturdy shelter and use twigs and leaves to create a roof. It was great fun and a fantastic way to practise teamwork and decision-making skills.
Year 3
For Diwali, the children designed and made clay diva lamps and created colourful Rangoli patterns using beads.
Year 4
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In Year 4, the children take on a fun design challenge: creating a communication device for a character known as the Evil Genius, who lives in a secret island lair and loves big, bold inventions.
Before designing, the children research existing communication devices such as walkie-talkies, smart watches, computers, pens and pagers, exploring the different features they offer. They then design and build their own prototype, using skills such as accurate measuring, careful cutting and making both temporary and permanent joins.
The project encourages creativity and imagination, proving that when designing for the Evil Genius, no idea is too big or too outrageous!
Children designed and made a prototype bed suitable for a Roman soldier. They explored how structures can be made strong and stable by using a variety of joining techniques. The children demonstrated careful measuring, cutting and assembling skills.
Year 5
Mission Control
You're Not Invited
Year 5 were asked to design a sleeping place suitable for a soldier who is in a combat zone. They needed to consider his needs (comfort and practicality) and whether the bed would be portable or remain in place.
Children designed a time-keeping device suitable for a spaceman.
Year 6 Pizzas
Year 6 had a wonderful time working on their ‘Pizza Project’. They worked in teams and put together their ‘pitch boards’ to pitch their ideas to our Leadership Team, as to why they should support their pizza company over others. They also designed and made the boxes for their pizza. Then came the tastiest part of the project – they designed and made their pizza and realised just how easy and tasty it is to make your own. Life skills that will serve them well in the future!
Year 6 have been busy producing a beautiful Poppy Art Installation. The children learned new textile skills by creating their own poppies using red felt.
Year 6 also enjoyed making a pop-up card for Easter and Diva lamps and Rangoli patterns for Diwali!
Design &Technology News
