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
Steady Hand Games (Electrical Systems)
Pupils understand what is meant by fit for purpose design and form follows function. Design and develop a steady hand game using a series circuit, including housing and backboard.
What is the function of a toy?- To research and analyse a range of children’s toys.
How will you design a game?- To design a steady hand game.
How will you decorate your net?- To construct a stable base.
What do we need to do to complete the game?- To assemble electronics and complete their electronic game.
National Curriculum Objectives
Investigate and analyse a range of existing products.
Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world.
Use research to 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 and annotated sketches.
Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.
Understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors].
Model their ideas through prototypes.
Select from and use a wide range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks.
Spring Term
Automata Toys (Mechanisms)
Pupils develop a functional automata window display, to meet the requirements in a design brief. Explore and create cam, follower and axle mechanisms to mimic different movements.
How can we prepare the components safely?- To prepare wood for assembly by measuring, marking and cutting each piece.
How can we assemble the components?- To assemble the automata frame components and supports with the help of an exploded diagram.
Which cam is most suitable for the toy?- To explore the relationship between cam profiles and follower movement to inform a design decision.
What finishing touches are needed?- To apply the housing and finishing touches to the automata frame.
National Curriculum Objectives
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.
Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately.
Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world.
Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design.
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.
Understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages].
Evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.
Summer Term
Playgrounds (Structures)
Pupils research existing playground equipment and their different forms, before designing and developing a range of apparatus to meet a list of specified design criteria.
What would you include in a new playground design?- To design a playground with a variety of structures.
How can we safely build three structures out of wood?- To build a range of structures.
How can we reinforce the structures?- To improve and add detail to structures
What features of a lanscape are needed?- 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 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, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities.
Apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce complex structures.