In Design and Technology, we encourage children to become creative problem solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team.
Children learn how to improve items and invent new ones! They have access to a variety of equipment and tools, including a 3D Printer and 3D pens.
Year 3 explore the history of kites and design, making and flying their own. They become Saxon jewellery designers and create necklaces and brooches using the 3D Printer and dye cloth, as the Saxons would have done, using from plants grown in the HE garden. Summer Term they take part in a weaving project, producing individual items and a Year 3 installation.
Year 4 children are set the task of making a pop-up book for a younger child and are given the opportunity of reading their creations to members of Pre-Prep. During the Tudor topic, they develop their hand-sewing skills by creating a Tudor Blackwork embroidery sample.
Year 5 explore how toys work and move. They make Victorian toys and use woodworking skills to make a cam-driven toy. During Summer term, they explore the life of William Morris and design and make an appliqué cushion inspired by his work. Children participate in outdoor activities, producing colourful sun prints and attempting silk painting. They learn hand sewing skills and have an introduction to the sewing machine. Finally, growing and using plants from the school garden to dye fabric using natural dyes completes the project.
To coincide with their WW2 topic, Year 6 design and make their very own Spitfire planes! They learn soldering skills and use 2D Design software to create a unique roundel for their planes. During their biscuit topic they design and make packaging for a new biscuit and create gingerbread house decorations, that lights up. The children develop their sewing machine skills during their final term to create a ‘groovy’ 1960’s themed bag. Other projects include: tie-dye, batik and felting. A variety of Lego, building and engineering, invention and design challenges are on hand to keep everyone inspired.
