Archived Design & Technology Content 2019-2020
Spring 1
In Early Years this term we have continued to explore construction materials. We have encouraged teamwork and shape of structures to improve work. We have used reclaimed materials to create a range of objects. We have enjoyed completing several activities based on Chinese New Year including lanterns, moving dragon puppets and a fabulous wooden Chinese arch. The children added to the arch using fabrics, lanterns, decorations and anything else they could use. This was a whole class effort.
This half term Year 3 looked at the story of Icarus and designed a pair of wings that could fly effectively and withstand the suns heat. We experimented with our design and thought about which materials to use to construct the finished wings. We thought about what we liked and what we would change if we were to make the wings again.
As part of our Topic day, Year 4 investigated how wool was made in Anglo Saxon times. They investigated how it was cleaned, brushed, spun and dyed. The children then used a cardboard frame to weave a piece of woollen material. We have also been learning how to prepare food and how to create a balanced diet with Chef Sarah Mc1Callister. We have made various meals that the Anglo Saxons would have eaten!
In D&T, Year 5 have designed Ancient Egyptian headwear, ready to make from various materials.
Autumn 2
In Early Years this term the children have continued to explore mobile, triangular puzzles as well as the block area. They have adapted original work by discussing the possibilities or using the ipad for ideas and are developing team work in these areas. Using reclaimed materials they have created a range of objects. In December they have enjoyed the tasks that have been set by the Christmas Elf to support the development of key skills skills ie, design a new t-shirt, paper chain challenge to stretch across the whole class, creating Christmas trees. They also developed weighing and baking skills by making breadstick sparklers, Pudsey bear biscuits, pancakes and decorating biscuits.
Year 1 created their own model spaceships for an alien to return to their home planet. They used lots of different materials, including cereal boxes, kitchen roll tubes, yoghurt pots and many more! Most importantly, they covered our spaceships in foil to make them look just like real spaceships.
The children in Year 2 investigated the design and layout of different castles and then designed their own castle. They then created their castles and labelled them. Several children also created their own castles at home as part of their homework and they were fantastic.
The Year 2 children also worked with year 5 children as part of their enterprise project to create different sweet treats to sell. Once they created their treats, they discussed how much it cost to make each treat and decided on a price point to ensure they made profit.
Year 3 have loved their food topic. They started with a trip to the local supermarkets to begin to find out where food comes from. The children have tasted a variety of food and drink and used this taste test to cook their own food including; bread, smoothies and truffles. They have followed recipes and created their own. Their topic finished with the enterprise day when Chef Sarah McCallister helped them to create and market their own smoothies. They have had some amazing homework produced too such as pizza, trifle and turkey sandwiches.
Year 5 children have been building their own electrical circuits and exploring the different components needed to complete a circuit. This has linked to their science, too.
The Year 6 children have researched and prepared a range of Mexican dishes. Some of these include a Mexican soup and pasta dishes as well as making their own guacamole dip to enjoy with nachos. The children have also followed a recipe to prepare a refreshing Mexican cocktail called ‘Aguas Frescas’.
Autumn1
Our Early Years children have been a range of construction materials this term and have used a range of reclaimed materials to create objects.
Year 1 have prepared ingredients then followed instructions to make jam sandwiches.
Year 4 were able to identify what makes a healthy packed lunch based on their knowledge of foods and what categories they are part of. They were able to create a 3D element to their digestive system and using various sticking methods to attach felt to their creations.
Year 6 have designed their version of the human heart. They have used the heart of a pig as well as pictures/diagrams of the human heart to construct their heart from clay.
They have also worked with Chef Sarah McAllister preparing and cooking recipes that aim to keep the heart healthy.
