Year 6 Design and Technology

Parkfielders will be taught the full coverage of the KS1 and KS2 Design & Technology curriculum and this is categorised into five content areas: Structures, Mechanisms, Electrical Systems (KS2 only), Cooking and Nutrition and Textiles.

There are then four strands that run through each topic: Design, Make, Evaluate and Technical Knowledge.

Autumn Term

Automata Toys (Mechanisms)

Pupils develop their woodworking skills and explore cams to design and make mechanical window displays.

  1. To use woodworking tools

  2. To assemble components to make a frame

  3. To explore cams and make appropriate choices

  4. To assemble a window display

National Curriculum Objectives

  • Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately

  • Select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

  • Investigate and analyse a range of existing products

  • Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the the views of others to improve their work

  • Understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages]

  • Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

  • Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design

Spring Term

Steady Hand Games (Electrical Systems)

Pupils create electromagnetic toys and more complex electronic circuits to create a steady hand game.

  1. To make electromagnetic motors and understand how they work *

  2. To design a steady hand game

  3. To construct a stable base

  4. To assemble electronics and complete their electronic game

National Curriculum Objectives

  • Understand and use electrical systems in their products

  • Develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose aimed at particular individuals or groups.

  • Generate, develop and communicate their ideas through discussion and annotated sketches

  • Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

  • Model ideas through prototypes

  • Select from and use a wide range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks

  • Select from and use a wide range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks

Summer Term

Playgrounds (Structures)

Pupils have the opportunity to be creative and experiment with a wide range of materials and equipment, applying prior knowledge of net and frame structures as well as bracing and cladding to design and make a playground.

  1. To design a playground with a variety of structures

  2. To build a range of structures

  3. To improve and add detail to structures

  4. To create surrounding landscape *

National Curriculum Objectives

  • Use research to develop and inform the design of innovative, functional and appealing products that are fit for purpose and aimed at particular groups

  • Generate, develop, model and communicate ideas through discussion and annotated sketches

  • Investigate and analyse a range of existing products

  • Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

  • Select from and use a wide range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks

  • Select from and use a wider range of materials and components including construction materials, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

  • Apply understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce complex structures

  • Inform the design of innovative, functional and appealing products, aimed at particular individuals or groups