DT
Design Technology is a separate area of learning with cross-curricular link to a broad range of subjects. The DT curriculum encompasses a 2-3 day project- undertaken by each year group as well as Topic - Art and Design lessons which contain integrated elements of DT throughout the year.
Every half term, each class has a series of history or geography related DT lessons, in which the form, function, and materials of existing products is considered and methods to ensure joins, movements, and stability are taught. Here are some examples of our work.
DT Bessemer
Learning Across the Year Groups
EYFS
In Early Years, we explore Design and Technology through hands-on, creative play. Children design and build using junk modelling, clay, salt dough and paper mâché, creating everything from stick puppets to simple moving structures. They learn how to join, fold, strengthen and adapt materials safely while talking about their ideas and improving their creations.
Enjoy exploring some of the wonderful creations from our Early Years classrooms!
Year 1
In Year 1, we continue to build our Design and Technology skills through exciting, practical projects. Children design and make floating boats, moving pictures using sliders and levers, and simple sewn hot air balloons. They learn how to choose materials carefully, join and strengthen structures, and create movement in their designs.
See some of the fantastic designs our Year 1 pupils have created!
Year 2
In Year 2, we develop our skills through purposeful and creative challenges. Children build strong pirate ships, bake traditional bread while learning about healthy ingredients, and design moving vehicles using wheels and axles. They test, improve and evaluate their work like real designers.
Take a look at the brilliant work our Year 2 designers have produced!
Year 3
In Year 3, we explore Design and Technology through historical and scientific projects. Children build prehistoric structures, create working shaduf models using levers, and design functioning torches using simple electrical circuits. They investigate, strengthen, test and refine their ideas with growing confidence.
Discover some of the innovative projects our Year 3 pupils have completed!
Year 4
In Year 4, we strengthen our skills through thoughtful and practical projects. Children cook healthy seasonal dishes, design and build Roman amphitheatres, and create stitched activist banners. They carefully select materials, reinforce structures and evaluate their work against design criteria.
Explore some of the creative outcomes from our Year 4 classrooms!
Year 5
In Year 5, we combine creativity with engineering in ambitious design projects. Children build futuristic city structures with integrated lighting or movement, and create Anglo-Saxon inspired helmets with working mechanisms. They refine ideas, select materials with purpose and evaluate their final designs like real engineers.
Have a look at the impressive engineering achievements from Year 5!
Year 6
In Year 6, we bring together research, creativity and technical skill. Children create woven textiles inspired by Mayan traditions, build mechanical models linked to the History of Medicine, and design strong architectural structures. They experiment with materials, refine ideas and evaluate their work with independence and precision.
Celebrate the outstanding final projects created by our Year 6 designers!
DT Projects
Following the success of topic related 3-day DT projects in Upper Key Stage 2, this year we intend to introduce this across both key stages. The extended DT projects give the children an opportunity to respond to a design brief, in which form, function and sustainability is considered, through team problem solving in a series of practical making sessions. Children are required to evaluate both their work and other's designs or products, and refer back to their original designs once their work is complete. They reflect upon what they have learn and what they would change to improve in the future.
In 2018, Year 5 teamed up with the Royal Institute of British Architects to design buildings for a city of the future city on Mars. The work, 'Exploring Boundaries and Space' was exhibited as part of the London Festival Of Architecture at the CGL gallery in East London.This project is now a key feature of the Year 5 curriculum.
This years Yr5 Future City Project was excellent - we were lucky to have the architect Lorna Edwards judging the entries and she was very impressed with the standard. Not only did the year5 students have to research the site specific criteria of Mars to inform their designs -they also had to think carefully about what they did not want to import from Earth - pollution and poorly designed housing were high on the list. The students also learned a lot of practical DT skills - attaching using flaps and glue guns, safe cutting techniques, and stabilising, reinforcing and creating curves with wood and wire. All of the groups worked really well together and lots of them reported back about how useful they found creating lists to delegate tasks. All of the groups tried to include electricity in their designs either using simple circuits or the Crumble kits - have a look at the gallery and videos.
Y5 Future Project Bessemer
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Topic Homework
In addition, children are encouraged to engage with DT projects at home through the half termly topic homework.
Carnival
Each year in Summer 2, Bessemer holds its carnival – a yearly highlight – during which the Arts (including art, music, and dance) are celebrated. Art and Design Technology features heavily, with children using some of the DT skills and processes that they have learnt throughout the year to create 3D models, fabric banners, head dresses, among other creations, which are exhibited as part of the parade. It is a lively and colourful event, in which the whole school community comes together to celebrate the hard work of all the pupils throughout the year.
Carnival Bessemer
Child-Led Design Technology Opportunities
We are lucky at Bessemer to have the nature garden – a fantastic resource where children of all years are free to explore and engage in deep play construction. All children in Nursery and Reception have forest school sessions, as well as the opportunity to junk model and construct in their own classrooms and outside play spaces.
