Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6

Our curriculum in action

Year 3 : Mechanical Systems - Pneumatic Toys

In this unit of work, Year 3 pupils engaged in an exciting project, where they designed and constructed their own pneumatic toys. Through this hands-on experience they explored the principles of pneumatics, applying their knowledge to design unique toys that operated using a pneumatic system, that were suitable for their intended user (Year 1 children). This activity allowed pupils to enhance their understanding of pneumatics, whilst being creative and developing problem-solving skills.

Pupil Voice:

What is a pneumatic system?  “Something that moves with air, when you blow into this tube it will blow up the balloon and open the mouth."

What is the difference between a thumbnail sketch and an exploded drawing? “A thumbnail sketch is a quick drawing, an exploded diagram has lots more detail and takes a long time to do”. 

“DT is my favourite subject because it is so fun to make things."

Year 3 Food - Eating Seasonally

In Year 3, pupils have been on a delicious journey exploring the world of seasonal food! They discovered where fruit and vegetables come from and why eating seasonally is beneficial for both our health and the environment. The children created their own fruit kebabs and designed and made a tasty seasonal tart using fresh ingredients. Through engaging activities, they learnt how different fruits and vegetables grow throughout the year and why some are better enjoyed at certain times.

Year 3 Topic: Structures – Constructing a Castle

In this unit, Year 3 began by investigating the key features of a castle, from towering battlements to sturdy drawbridges, before using their knowledge to create their own castle designs based on a design criteria. The children then used their practical skills by constructing 3D nets and transforming them into impressive castle structures. A highlight of the topic was an exciting enrichment visit to Auckland Castle, where they gained inspiration for their own creations.

Year 4: Structures - Pavilions

Pupils in Year 4 enjoyed designing and constructing their own pavilion structure for our school. They applied their prior knowledge of Structures (Constructing a Castle) in Year 3 to carefully develop a design criteria before sharing ideas, sketching their designs and working hard to build their structures. Children explored different textual effects with materials such as cutting, folding, weaving and scrunching. They showed great determination as they worked hard to ensure their pavilions were strong and stable.

Pupil Voice:

What do architects consider when they are designing? "They need to consider if it is going to meet the design criteria."

What did your design criteria need to ensure?  "It has to be strong and stable, has to let fresh air and sunlight in, has to be waterproof, has to have food and toilet facilities."

"We made a frame, we tried not to make it too heavy so it would stand up on its own. We designed it on the cardboard and are building it on there.” 

Year 4 Topic: Textiles – Fastenings

In this unit, Year 4 explored a variety of fastenings, from buttons and zips to Velcro and poppers, investigating how they work and their different uses. Using their new knowledge, the children designed and created their very own book sleeves, carefully selecting appropriate fastenings to keep their books safe. Through this project, they developed their sewing skills, problem-solving abilities and creativity. The end results were fantastic, with each book sleeve being both unique and functional!

Year 4: Electrical Systems – Torches

Year 4 have been lighting up their learning with an exciting project on torches. They began by exploring the features of different torches, investigating how they work and what makes them effective. Using this knowledge, they designed a torch tailored to a specific user, carefully considering functionality and design. This unit also helped to consolidate their learning about electricity in Science, as they applied their understanding of circuits to bring their designs to life.

Year 5 : Mechanical Systems - Pop-up books

In Year 5, pupils embarked on an exciting project where they designed and crafted their very own pop-up books, centred around the theme of ‘Space’ which linked to their previous learning in Science. Applying their knowledge of mechanical systems, children brought their ideas to life with interactive elements such pop-ups, levers and sliders. Children took care to ensure their mechanisms were hidden using layers and spacers and that their book was finished with the intended user in mind.

Pupil Voice:

How do designers consider the user when planning?  "Our user is a Year 1 child so the pop-up book needed simple words, lots of pictures, practical activities such as moving parts, should be interactive."

What is the purpose of layers and spacers?  "Spacers keep something in place, layers are so you can’t see the spacers."

Year 5: Food - Adapting a recipe

In Year 5, children have been learning all about where our food comes from! They explored how ingredients are reared and processed, gaining a deeper understanding of the journey from farm to fork. The children then investigated how to adapt a recipe to make it more nutritious, before putting their skills to the test by making their own delicious bolognese sauce. They carefully and safely prepared ingredients, following good hygiene practices, before designing an eye-catching label for their sauce jar.

Year 5: Structures – Bridges

In this unit, Year 5 have been involved in an exciting project all about bridges! They began by exploring how to reinforce beam structures and investigated different types of bridges, including truss bridges. The highlight of the topic was a fantastic hands-on experience at Bishop Auckland College, where they worked alongside College students and staff to design and construct their own bridges. Using real tools, they measured, sawed and assembled wood, putting their teamwork and problem-solving skills to the test.

Year 6 - Structures: Playgrounds

Children in Year 6 have designed and built their own playground structures using a range of materials. As a class, they developed a design criteria which they used to inform their designs. Through the DT curriculum, pupils have developed skills in sawing and applied their knowledge of Structures (Bridges) in Year 5 to safely saw wood and use a glue-gun to secure apparatus to their base. This was a collaborative project where pupils worked with a partner to create a fun but safe playground, suitable for their intended user.

Pupil Voice:

How does the intended user inform the design? "It is designed for 4-12 year olds so it needs safety railings. It has to be child-friendly, has to be colourful so it attracts children."

How does your work on playgrounds link to previous learning?  "We went to Bishop Auckland College and made bridges. We learnt about sawing safely and now we can do it on our own”.

Year 6: Textiles – Stuffed Toys

In this unit, Year 6 brought their creativity to life by designing and making their very own stuffed toys! They began by planning their unique designs before learning how to use a blanket stitch to carefully assemble their creations. To add extra character and detail, they explored the technique of appliqué, decorating their toys with fabric shapes and embellishments. Throughout the project, children developed their sewing skills, patience and perseverance, resulting in a fantastic collection of handmade stuffed toys to be proud of!

Year 6 Topic: Electrical Systems – Steady Hand Game

Year 6 have put their design skills to the test by creating their own steady hand games! They began by exploring the components and mechanics behind this classic game, before designing and constructing nets to form the base of their creations. Using their knowledge of electrical circuits from Science, they carefully assembled their games, ensuring they worked effectively. This hands-on project challenged their problem-solving skills, patience and precision.

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