Design & Technology at Cotsford
At Cotsford Primary all children will have the opportunity to enhance and expand their skills and techniques using a range of tools and materials. Using the Cornerstones curriculum, alongside the Kapow scheme of work, children learn about structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food & nutrition They will research, creatively design, make and evaluate products using a range of tools, methods and materials. Children will be introduced to a range of designers and engineers including their work and will be able to develop their knowledge of the techniques used.
Summer 2
Reception thoroughly enjoyed making their own recycled materials models of different farm animals. They made cows, pigs, chicks, horses, sheep and dogs. Well done Reception, they worked so hard designing, choosing, modelling and painting their animals.
Children in Year 1 had had a great time investigating wheels and axels this term. They looked at different vehicles, created their own wheels and axels and identified where and why some axels didn’t work. They worked so hard when they were tasked with being a mechanic to work out why the vehicles didn’t move.
The children in Year 2/3 have worked on developing their woodwork skills. They investigated beach huts and made 3D prototypes using art straws. They then measured the wood carefully, cut it using hacksaws and joined it together with glue to make a 2D representation of a beach hut.
Year 3’s showed real perseverance learning to sew this term. They began by using plastic shapes with pre-cut holes to practice running stitch. From this the children moved onto tying knots and threading a needle. Concentration faces were essential! The children then designed a cushion which had to include running stitch, cross stitch and applique skills. Next, they cut out their felt, including their design pieces. Finally, putting all their skills to the test and they created their cushion.
Year 4 investigated floating and sinking this half term and explored how to make an electrical fan boat. Unfortunately, we ran out of time and did not get to make the designs we had planned.
Year 5 enjoyed working with Chef Sarah McCallister to make a variety of healthy foods. They have learned about where different fruits and vegetables grow and focused on farm to fork.
In week one, they focused on foods that complement one another and made cheese and apple sandwiches. They all thought the concoction was going to taste disgusting… however they loved them!
In week two, they tasted different fruits and created a fruit cocktail – they absolutely loved it and wanted more.
In week three, the children had the opportunity to work in teaching kitchens with the staff at Dene Academy. The staff were over the moon with Year 5’s culinary skills. They created ladybirds using a range of different ingredients – they looked pretty cool.
In our last cookery lesson, the children made some fantastic pasta pots which tasted truly delicious.
Designing playgrounds has been so much fun in Year 6 this half term. Using a design criteria to plan and a range of materials to make a climbing frame and a swing. Measuring, cutting and joining skills were all improved by using a range of tools to build our finished designs.
Summer 1
What a great, fun filled half term our children in EYFS had! They have made a life-sized giraffe named Jerry. Mrs Cook got the biggest surprise when she walked in the classroom; he looks fabulous quietly eating the leaves in the corner. The children have also created their own African animals using recycled materials, after drawing their model first and thinking about the shape from boxes and resources they needed. Super planning reception!
Year 3 were very lucky to work with Sarah the chef again! They designed, made and tasted a variety of Greek cuisine with a few treats along the way!
Year 4 have really enjoyed exploring pneumatic systems in DT this half term. They began by looking at different examples of pneumatic systems and how they work. The children then recreated two different pneumatic systems to test out. It was very important to make sure no air escaped from the tube, or the system would not work! They then had the opportunity to make their own pneumatic toys using different recyclable materials.
Spring 2 – Remote Learning and return to school
EYFS have completed a hunt in Lockdown 3.0 to see if they could find Stick Man. They also made and decorated him, giving him extra leaves and eyes. They made binoculars to them to find the Owl Mother from Owl Babies, remembering to make them camouflaged so that they couldn’t be seen.
Year 1 children made puppets. They used a stencil to draw out the puppet shape on their chosen fabric, then used a stapler to join them together. They then designed the front and back of their puppets, using googly eyes, felt tip pens and other materials. The children then discussed which material worked best for a puppet and how they could improve for next time.
During Home Learning, the children in Year 2 / 3 completed some of the topic challenges, including designing and making carnival outfits and masks.
In school, the children did an amazing job at making their own pouches. They listened very carefully so that they could successfully complete each step. They used the template provided to draw around and cut out their chosen felt, then they had to stitch both parts together and finally decorate their pouches.
The children in Year 3 have explored pavilions at home during lockdown. They were encouraged to create and design their own pavilions using resources they had in their house. After returning to school the children evaluated their designs and then created their own pavilions using card, wooden sticks, paper, pipe cleaners and other resources.
Mother’s Day cards in Year 4 this half term we create using a layering technique to create a mother and baby owl design. For our Easter cards, the children explored how to make a pop-up card and created a pop-up egg for inside each card.
Year 5 have enjoyed designing and creating their own stuffed textile toy. They created elaborate designs and realised during the make stage how difficult they would be to put into practise and were able to make changes based on this. They were able to use blanket stitch when creating their toy to ensure the stuffing stayed inside the toy and give a decorative finish, they really enjoyed making something that they could keep.
Year 6 have worked on salt dough sculptures. They have linked the topic to science and have created sculptures of the Human skeleton, identifying and labelling bones that make up the skeleton. They have also looked at the digestive system and have an in-depth understanding of how food gets into the body and is used to and absorbed by different organs.
Spring 1 – Remote Learning
Due to learning at home and not having the range of resources which would be available in school, DT this half term was more focused on the research, design and evaluation of products.
The children in EYFS had lots of fun making dens and bridges this term linked to the Billy Goats Gruff. They also made a laptop or electronic device using recycled materials.
Some children in Year 3 decided to create a range of Ancient Egyptian artefacts and landmarks during lockdown.
Year 4 were learning about electrical systems in which the children were to design and make a torch. As part of their home learning, the children researched different kinds of torches, how they are made and what type of electricity is needed to make them work. Then, they designed their own novelty torch. Some of the children even had a go at making their own working torches! After the making process, they completed an evaluation to state what had gone well and what could be improved next time.
Whilst at home a number of children practised their cooking and baking skills.
Autumn 2
EYFS have continued to explore construction materials using blocks to build speed boats, bin wagons, a bed for an elf, and many more creations. After listening to the story The Elves and the Shoemaker the children designed shoes, cut out the shapes and then added details with a range of art materials.
Year 1 children designed and made their own windmill. They looked at the song ‘A Windmill in Old Amsterdam’ and designed a windmill that would be suitable for the mouse to live in. The children developed their designing, cutting, folding and building skills, to complete their windmills. They then evaluated their work.
Children in Year 2 have worked with Chef Sarah McCallister in our teaching kitchen. They have tasted lots of different and new ingredients this term. They have been taught how to chop fruits and vegetables safely and have planned and made their own healthy wrap to take home. The children also enjoyed working in small teams to create their own fruit smoothie and at the end of term they made and decorated some festive biscuits.
This half term Year 3 children have explored bridges, their structures and their strength. The children tested their ideas first using blocks and card, then created bridges using spaghetti and masking tape. Then they measured and cut jelutong to create triangles and used glue guns to construct their bridges, we made three similar but different designs. We then evaluated our bridges to say what we did well and tested them to see which design was the strongest. The truss bridge won!
Year 5 were tasked with creating a pop-up Christmas card to send home to their family. They used their cutting abilities to ensure the picture popped out when the card was opened. Some children used split pins to create a moving part in their cards.
Autumn 1
In Early Years this term we have used lots of recycled materials to construct our own ideas. Some of the children have made a home for animals and a rocket.
Pupils in Year 3 worked in teams with chef Sarah McAllister to discuss what we need to survive and the importance of teamwork and cooperation. Fantastic shelters and camp fires similar to those in the Sone Age were built. The children were then introduced to food preparation and each week have prepared their own dishes. Basic skills of cutting, spreading, stirring and measuring have been developed.
The children in Year 5 were tasked with creating a Viking amulet based on a dragon’s eye. They looked at various different amulets and how dragons were portrayed in Viking mythology. They then designed their own and created it using clay. We focussed heavily on making sure the decorative parts were anchored. They then evaluated their work and discussed whether they were of appropriate size etc for use.
Year 6 have measured, cut and drilled jelutong wood to create an automata toy powered by cams. Pupils have designed a foreground, background and characters for their toy, evaluating their working product at various stages.
Archived Curriculum Content
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