November 8th 2024
Scot McNaughton, Head of DT
We have had a really exciting and productive term so far in Design & Technology with everyone getting involved in a wide variety of projects and I'm proud to say that all our pupils love being in the workshop and getting creative whilst learning new skills.
Pre-Prep are currently embarking on a wooden candle holder task and decorated wooden Christmas trees ahead of Yuletide celebrations where they normally spend an invigorating hour in the DT workshop.
Year 3 are just finishing the colourful Weave pots under the guidance of Mr Squire and about to start a thrilling new project we are calling 'Balloon Heads'...more will be revealed!
In Year 4, the pupils have been focused on a design and make task based on our general term theme of Space, called 'Blockheads'. The children really enjoy this project as they begin to engage further in creativity and a wider range of equipment. Next term they will be learning new CAD software that will help with laser cutting their next project.
Year 5 have of course just completed the very successful ‘One Small Step' play, complimented by their amazing additions to the clever set design. Again, this was all their own work and I'm sure you will agree the whole thing was spectacular.
In Year 6, we have just introduced an exciting change to the curriculum with the 'STEM' programme. As well as focusing on the same areas of study for Science, Technology and Maths, we are knitting the subjects together and incorporating more engineering techniques. This will culminate in a collaborative outcome from the whole of Year 6 that we are naming 'FrankenSTEM', a multi-limbed, life size creation with AI ability...This will go on display where pupils and parents can gaze at and interact with the wonder of creation!
As is traditional for this term, Year 7 are currently working hard on their 'Dragons' Den' projects with lots of innovative and interesting projects to unleash on our Dragons and parents will be able to look at the work at its conclusion.
Finally, Year 8 have the chance to put all the skills they have developed during their time at Moulsford to design and build a model architectural structure of their choice with a focus on independent productivity. The great thing about this pupil led task is the variety of outcomes and the skills shown. We try to keep many of them on display for a while so you will hopefully have an opportunity to visit.
I would like to close our Spotlight on DT with a special mention for our new Junior activity, Junior Engineers and to our keen and dedicated senior DT activity group who made some truly amazing lamps from found and recycled materials as a summer project. They are indeed remarkable and worthy of our 'Spotlight Pic'. Well done boys and thank you to everyone who supports the DT department in a multitude of ways.
