year 6

Students are taught about different classifications of structures including shell and frame, natural and man-made structures. They are taught how to create strong, load-bearing structures such as beams, columns and cantilevers. Finally students learn about different forces such as compression, tension and shear and how they can be utilised. They then collaborate in teams to design and make a siege weapon powerful and accurate enough hit a target from 8 metres.

Students are taught about the sources of timber and their impact on the environment. They investigate the properties of a number of timbers and how those properties can be exploited to suit different design needs. Students learn about the de Stijl design movement and produce a desk tidy inspired by the works of Piet Mondrian.