Testing Skills in DT

In D&T, children have used the focused task (testing skills) lesson to help them develop and understand the skills needed to help make sure their design meets the intended usurers needs and purpose. These lessons allow children to experiment with different techniques; refine skills they have learnt and evaluate their design to check if any adjustments need to be made.

3D Shapes in Reception

In Reception this child has been exploring a wide range of skills to make this 3D model shape. They explored different ways they could put the 2D magnetic shapes together to create a new shape. There was lots of trial and error in the process and developing of the child’s fine motor skills. They were able to explore the properties of magnets, exploring and consolidating their understanding of magnets and 3D shapes.

Exploring Skills in Year 1

In Year 1, this child was exploring the skills needed to build their model playground equipment. They learnt the techniques needed to ensure that their equipment was stable and secure. This was done by practicing cutting straws and tape to create an A-frame. Additionally, children also learnt how to flatten and fold the straw edges to enable it be taped securely. Children were given the chance to practice these skills before then applying them to make the final product.

Practising Linkages in Year 4

In Year 4, the unit outcome was for children to create a moving picture book about the Romans for a younger child. In order for the pictures to move this child investigated different types of levers and linkages and looked at how they worked. The practicing skills lesson allowed this child to make different linkages. During the lesson this child had to think about how they could adapt the mechanism to suit the movement they would like for their picture e.g. thinking about the length of the lever and the position of the pivot. The child then tested out their linkage and answered questions to reflect on what had happened and to see if any changes would need to be made for their final product.

Using Tools Correctly in Year 5

In Year 5, The unit outcome was for the child to design and make a model bridge that would help ease congestion in South London. This child used the focused task (skills testing) lesson to practice and learn the correct way to hold and use a saw. The lesson gave this child the opportunity to measure and cut pieced of wood accurately and correctly and think about the size they would need for their final product. The child then used the pieces of wood to test out how triangulation is used to help strengthen a structure.