Year 4 - DT

Year 4 have enjoyed using the Design, Make, Evaluate process in DT while making Victorian style hot-pads. These squares of quilted fabric would have been used as oven gloves.

We looked at examples of hot-pads before deciding on our own designs. We knew that we could evaluate as we went along and changed the design to make it simpler or more detailed, depending on how we found the sewing.

We then hemmed our fabric squares (made from our second-hand pillowcases), turn them inside out and added a square of fleece. After sewing up the gap, we added on our quilting designs.

Art in Elm Tree - Year 6 Art and Design Technology

This term, Year 6 have been learning about Mayan Stelae which are large stone monuments created by the Ancient Maya Civilisation. They are intricately carved slabs of stone and were used to commemorate important events, rulers and dates in Mayan history. They provide valuable insights into the culture, religion and politics of the Ancient Maya. 

Year 6 studied a range of Stelae and identified some of the common carvings (such as Mayan glyphs). They then designed their own stelae, drawing on their research. Many children chose to add faces or glyphs meaning 'jaguar'. 

Then, children created their wire frame by bending, twisting and shaping wire. This was to form the basic structure of their stelae. 

Finally, children used clay to create slabs and assemble their stelae. They then used tools to add their own carvings. 

Mini Chef in Elm - Year 6 Food Technology and Design Technology

This week, Elm Tree took part in their annual Mini Chef day. 

The children in Elm learnt about seasonality and the benefits of eating seasonally before creating their very own seasonal recipe. Based on what they had learnt, the children designed their own 'curry casserole' using a range of vegetables that are currently in season. 

They then chopped all the vegetables needed for the curry casserole and cooked it, first boiling the potatoes and carrots and frying the onions and garlic. 

Pupils also looked at food miles, calculating how far each food item in the recipe had to travel to make it to Bannockburn. 

The children had a great day and said their curry casserole tasted 'amazing'! It was also super healthy - with 2 servings of vegetable in each portion!

Tinker CAD in Year 6 - Computing and Design Technology

As part of our Design Technology learning, children made their very own navigation tools based on a design brief from a customer. 

They then learnt all about how to deliver a product pitch in an attempt to 'sell' their product to an investor. Children watched a snippet of Dragon's Den and discussed what was included in a pitch and how to pitch effectively. 

They then created their own posters and pitched their product to the class. 

When pitching, they needed to:

- explain how their product met the design brief

- explain how their product will benefit the customer 

- explain how their product is sustainable 

- persuade the investor to support their design

The children did a fantastic job working collaboratively to prepare for their pitch and they did an even better job of speaking and listening to each other. 

Well done Year 6!

Computer Aided Design (CAD) in Year 6 - Design Technology and Computing

This term, Year 6 have been working hard to develop their computing skills. 

Linking to our Explorers Topic, children were tasked with designing, making and evaluating their very own navigation tool for a Mountaineering Company, Adventure Awaits. 

To start, children created a design brief based on the request of their client, Adventure Awaits. They needed to design a navigation tool that encompassed a cardinal compass and an additional component of their own choice. 

Then, children had to create a working code to input into a MicroBit - this enable the compass to work! 

After successfully creating the code, children had to design the casing of their tool. They learnt about sustainable and unsustainable materials and durability, based on the needs of their perspective clients. 

Once designed, children used TinkerCAD, a web-based application that allows children to make 3D designs, to create a 3D design of their navigation tool. Children had to ensure they design their tool to have a screen so that the interface of the MicroBit could be seen. 

Children then designed their additional component. Some children chose to include:

- a button that contacted a rescue team 

- a walkie talkie to communicate with others 

You can see some of the children's designs below. 

Next week, children will be pitching their ideas in a 'Dragon's Den' style product pitch! We can't wait! 

MFL Day at Bannockburn

 Friday 14th July saw our annual MFL day festivities. Unfortunately, the wet weather meant some of our outdoor activities were rained off but it didn't stop us having a brilliant day. 

As part of their Spanish Day, Year 3 enjoyed: doing flamenco dancing; creating Picasso-style self-portraits; learning about the Spanish festival of La Tomatina festival; and discussing delicious traditional Mexican food

Year 4 enjoyed a special Spanish performance from Freshwater Theatre company plus some quizzes and Spanish languages games, followed by an afternoon of piñata making!

As part of their French day, Year 5 enjoyed: playing pétanque; learning about the Francophone world; discussing the cultural and historical significance of Bastille Day; exploring traditional sand art techniques from the island of Vanuatu; and playing some word and French languages games and quizzes.

Year 6 enjoyed: participating in activities to explore the art  of mime and improv drama; debating the French laws around seculaism and laïcité; exploring the city of Paris and its famous landmarks; and also learning about the Francophone world.

Here are some photos from our brilliant day!