Environmental Art  Art and Design  Autumn 1 2016

Year 5 have been investigating the work of Environmental Artists, such as Andy Goldsworthy and Richard Long. We have discussed our personal opinions on this type of sculpture and how it is meant to be ephemeral (made to disappear or transform) or designed for a particular place and can't be moved. 

Having collected natural objects from the local environment (my apologies for any muddy shoes!) we set about designing and then creating our own sculptures on the playground. Environmental artists photograph their work to record it, so we took lots of photos on the Ipads. We then used these photos to create photo collages. 

As usual, Year 5's creations were awe-inspiring and looked phenomenal! They also provided a very interesting lunch-time for the whole school, as other children used the natural objects to make their own environmental art!

Air Pressure Aliens/ Pneumatic Moon Buggies  Design & Technology  Autumn 2 2016

As part of the Science topic on Earth and Space, Y5 have investigated air pressure and how pneumatic mechanisms can be used for movement. Initially, we started by researching everyday objects which use pneumatics to operate, and then focused on pneumatic toys. Using simple syringe and tubing systems, the children were able to experiment with lifting and moving objects. After designing their own alien or moon buggy, Y5 decorated the box structure base with a variety of materials, in order to create their moving model. As you can see from the photos, we had some very ingenious creations, which Year 3 came to admire and play with! 

Spring 1 - Design and Technology  - Cooking savoury pastries

Initially, we began this Food Technology topic by researching different food groups and investigating what makes up a healthy balanced diet.  Then, in small groups, the children designed healthier pastries, which combined cheese with a selection of fruit and vegetables. Miss Blake demonstrated how to make simple cheese straws using a basic recipe, which tasted very good (surprisingly enough!) and this was also an opportunity to taste different cheeses. Double Gloucester was definitely the most popular! Next came the cooking, which involved a variety of skills such as: delegating responsibilities within the group, weighing foods, and cutting safely with sharp knives using the bridge or claw hold.  Each group's pastry was uniquely designed and looked very appetising! Needless to say, the children enjoyed eating their cooked pastries and they were quite rightly proud of themselves!  Masterchef, here we come!

Design and Technology - Ancient Greece Theatre Masks  Spring 2 2017

WOW! What can I say? Year 5's finished mod-roc masks are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

We began by exploring examples of masks, used in the Ancient Greek theatres and investigated how distinguishing facial features conveyed the 3 typical characters used: tragic, angry and comical. We also investigated modern caricatures, as our topic Learning Question was: What might contemporary Greek theatre masks look like? Sketching lessons involved designing exaggerated features, practising different methods of shading and using colours to express emotions. The 3D masks were sculpted from mod-roc, which is plaster in bandage, over a plastic form, and Year 5 worked hard to add a superb variety of moulded details. Finally, a lick of paint really brought the masks to life - just have a look!

Summer 1 term 2017  -Design and Technology -Victorian Cam Toys

As part of the History topic on Victorian life in Overseal, Year 5 have investigated cam mechanisms. We experimented with a variety of cam profiles (different shapes) to understand how cams change rotary motion into linear motion, via a follower (shaft).

Initially, the children drew diagrams to understand technical vocabulary, and then played with a selection of modern cam toys, to see them working. Following this, we then imagined what local Victorian life might have been like at Overseal Manor. Who worked there? Who lived there? Why is the village here? The children considered the roles of chimney sweeps, housemaids and miners. They also researched toys, such as steam engines, rocking horses and soldiers, which the rich children may have played with.

The next step involved Year 5 in building the cam mechanism and box framework, ensuring that the cam rotated adequately, when in place. Then the children added their chosen designs to create their own Victorian Cam Toys! Year 3 popped in for a visit, when the models were complete, and enjoyed playing with them. 

Well done Year 5! Your models are excellent!