Double Dose of D&T

Year Five enjoyed two full days of Design and Technology, which gave us the opportunity to fully immerse ourselves in our learning and explore our topics in depth.

On Day One, we focused on structures. The children investigated different types of bridges and explored how structural strength can be affected by shape, design and materials.

We began by exploring structures using our own bodies. The children had great fun creating different formations, carefully considering strength, balance and stability, whilst also challenging themselves with height and span. This practical activity helped the children understand how structures need support to remain strong and stable.

We then transferred this learning into the classroom, where the children planned and designed their own bridges. Using spaghetti to test their ideas, they explored which shapes and designs created the strongest structures and reflected on how engineers solve problems through design.

Finally, the children used wood to build their own bridges. They tested them using weights to see how much they could hold and evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of their designs. Throughout the day, the children learnt valuable DIY skills and how to work safely and responsibly with tools.

On Day Two, we focused on creating pop-up books. The children explored a range of mechanisms used to create moving parts within storybooks, including tabs, folds and layers. They then designed and created their own stories to share with Ducklings and Year One children. Using a variety of pop-up techniques, the children worked creatively to make their books exciting, interactive and engaging for younger readers.

Across both days, Year Five worked incredibly hard, challenged themselves and supported one another throughout. They demonstrated perseverance, creativity and teamwork at every stage, truly living out our school values.