Year 5

In upper KS2, children should be able to explain the iterative process needed to make a product.  They apply the evaluate, design, make and evaluate process with increasing independence in the following areas: cooking and nutrition, mechanical systems and textiles.

Cooking & Nutrition

In Cooking and nutrition, Year 5 pupils look at food from a different country and consider the impact of seasonal ingredients.  They use their senses to consider appearance, aroma and texture and the impact they may have on the user.  Pupils are encouraged to design an innovative product for a unique event.  Whilst developing their ideas, children are shown how to prepare an ingredient list and method for producing their chosen dish (including a heat source).  They must consider the appearance and decoration of the end product and how to produce it safely and hygienically.

Mechanical Systems

The Year 5 mechanical systems unit consolidates and builds on the knowledge gained in both Year 2 and Year 4 to produce a self-powered vehicle. Pupils develop a step by step plan, critically evaluating each step and considering the advice of others.  Further to their Year 4 electrical system knowledge, pupils learn that mechanical and electrical systems have an input, process and an output and use simple software to model this.  To create a moving vehicle, they are shown practically how gears and pulleys can be used to speed up, slow down or change the direction of movement – working in tandem with a motor.  Year 5 pupils must then apply this knowledge to create a self-powered vehicle and evaluate it against the written brief.   Pupils are given the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the skills and technical vocabulary they have learned through a short oral presentation.

Textiles

Revisiting textiles, pupils test products considering the intended user and critically evaluate the quality of the design, manufacture, functionality and fitness for purpose.  Building on their knowledge of basic stitching, joining textiles and finishing techniques, they are shown how a 3-D textile product can be made from a combination of accurately made pattern pieces, fabric shapes and different fabrics. Pupils investigate how fabrics can be strengthened, stiffened and reinforced.  Using these skills, they will create a 3d fabric product based on the design criteria.