Star Designers
This work showcases pupils evaluating skills throughout the school in DT. The skills are continuously being built upon and developed as pupils progress through the school and build upon their understanding of the DT principles of design. The examples below demonstrate pupils ongoing consideration of the user, purpose and function of the product.
Hide-and-Build - EYFS
In Reception children used their fine and gross motor skills to build a tower for a person to hide in. Upon building the tower, children realised that it wasn't tall enough for a person to hide inside as it was only one cube in height. The children realised that the tower was not suitable for the user or purpose and therefore evaluated and reflected how they could improve it so a child could fit inside. Children worked as a team to add cubes to make it taller and fit for purpose.
Chop, Chat, Change - KS1
In Year Two, children have been creating a healthy salad for a class picnic. Children thoroughly enjoyed making a healthy salad for their friends that was unique and enjoyable. Children have recently started using a simplified star diagram to help the transition when evaluating from Key Stage One to Key Stage Two. Children also validated using questions about what they like and what they would change next time.
Link, Lever, Learn - LKS2
Children in Year Four have been creating a moving book about the Romans using a linkage and a lever for key stage one children. Year Four pupils enjoyed being creative and innovative to create a visually appealing and informative book. The star diagram highlights that children have been able to justify their choices when evaluating against the DT principles of design. Carefully considering their reasoning behind each number given on the star diagram as well as improvements that could be made in future.
Bridge to Inovation - UKS2
Children in Year 5 made a bridge which would be suitable for heavy loads and remain sturdy in different weather conditions. Children spent time discussing the meanings of the DT principles of design. In particular, the meaning of the word Innovation and how to ensure the bridge was innovative, using recycled materials as well as ensuring the bridge met the needs of the user and was purposeful.
