Constructs ‘R’ Us
In Design and technology at Heronsgate pupils have explored a variety of different DT strands including levers and mechanics, food technology and textiles. The introduction of a new workbook has enabled pupils to creatively explore the DT strands whilst always referring back to the DT principles of design. Through key questions children are ensuring their designs are purposeful, meet the needs of the user, function, are innovative and they make appropriate design decisions. The early years have built the basics for children's problem solving, resilience as well as developing their key fine motor skills needed to ensure they achieve the best of their potential.
Building Skills Brick by Brick - EYFS
In Nursery, children have been developing their fine motor skills, while designing and building their own houses. The children showed great perseverance during the process; when their initial structures didn't work as intended they eagerly redesigned them to explore if a new approach worked better. Children were also very innovative using everyday objects such as upside-down buckets and leaves to bring their designs to life.
Levered Up Learning - KS1
In Year 1, children have been exploring the mechanics of levers and sliders in order to create their own moving picture books for the class book corner. This hands-on investigation into how these mechanisms operate has been essential in informing their design development process. Children are encouraged to constantly reflect upon the user, function and purpose of each design, using key questions to guide children to making informed creative choices.
I Knead Bread for My Friends - LKS2
Using their new DT workbooks, Year Three pupils have been designing and creating a purposeful and innovative bread roll for a friend. Throughout the design process pupils carefully considered the DT principles of design to guide their choices. The key questions ensured that pupils focused on the intended user and purpose, making deliberate design decisions to ensure the bread roll appealed to their friend's tastes.
Making Bags that Survive - UKS2
As part of their Year 6 Textiles project, pupils designed and made a bag suitable for a World War II evacuee to carry their personal belongings. Throughout the design process, pupils carefully considered the DT principles of design. Keeping the user and purpose firmly in mind, they focused on the function of the bag, making deliberate design decisions to ensure it was durable enough to hold potentially heavy items. They also considered aesthetics, designing the bag so it would appeal to a child of that era. By building upon their textiles knowledge from Year Two, they were able to develop designs that showed a high level of authenticity.
