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The main aim of this unit is to improve continuity and progression when pupils transfer from primary to secondary school.
Teachers can choose from three different design and make assignments (DMAs) on the themes:
- Novelties (food and/or resistant materials)
- Bubble packs (resistant materials)
- Puppets (textiles and/or resistant materials)
These are short DMAs that have been designed to give pupils opportunities to show how well they can work independently and how much they are able to draw on knowledge of a range of materials or focus areas developed at key stage 2.
Pupils gain the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to carry out the DMA successfully through product evaluation activities and focused practical tasks. They:
- demonstrate what they are able to do already,
eg by discussing a completed project from their previous school or a project that they have started and will continue in the new school,
or by carrying out short, diagnostic, focused practical tasks or projects
- explore the type of activities that they will be doing in year 7 and draw on similarities with projects they have done in the past
- familiarise themselves with their new environment and become independent learners within it,
eg get to know the people in the department who will help them, find out where resources are kept, learn basic safety procedures, get organised for their work, become familiar with new equipment
Notes on transition
By the age of 11, pupils have been developing their D&T capability for six years. Between the ages of 5 and 11, very rapid development takes place and pupils gain a wide range of knowledge and skills on which to base future learning. It is widely recognised that the experience at key stage 3 is often radically different from that at key stage 2 and most pupils need help with adapting to their new learning environment. Some of the key differences are in:
- teaching and learning styles
- classroom organisation
- language and conventions used
- assessment and recording systems
- resources, tools, equipment and materials
- time available and the way time is structured
This unit recognises the potential impact of all this change. It offers a variety of mechanisms to ease pupils' transition from the primary to the secondary approach and to help ensure progression and continuity. These include orientation activities, acknowledging learning from key stage 2 and establishing links with primary schools.
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