A booklet to document the design and making of a pewter cast item such as a badge, necklace pendant or keyring with key stage 3 although it has also been used successfully with a SEND class and key stage 4 (lower ability groups. The booklet sets out the brief with room for exploring ideas, documenting research and design ideas alongside space for notes on the pewter casting process. Keywords and teacher feedback is included on the back sheet and it works well printed on A3 and folded int a booklet. I did not come up with the idea of a pewter cast item as a project myself but after working in three schools with a similar project thought it was time to conclude all my ideas in one booklet so students could neatly and proudly display their work.

A great project that I have used with key stage 3 for two years now. Students design and make a 3D photo frame. The frame is simply made from a small A5 backing piece of material with some wooden edging cut to size by the students and some mitre joints to add a frame to the very front and then students are given a variety of materials and tools to decorate the picture and frame itself. The booklet is used for students to document all of their design considerations, planning and ideas and the making itself. Sections include evaluations, design ideas, a specification and space for teacher comments and feedback. Recently we have begun using the 3D printer to add small elements to the frames and increase the awareness of this new technology to our students. Simple objects could be downloaded from thingiverse or made from scratch if you have time.

A booklet used alongside the design and make challenge/project of an acrylic clock. I have used in different settings with success including both key stage 3 and key stage 4 class as well as with SEND students. The booklet sets the brief with some space for questioning, research and designing. It allows for documenting the making and a detailed evaluation. Students have come up with interesting designs and made fantastic clocks. The project idea of an acrylic clock is not my own and I have simply made the booklet to allow my students to work and keep a record of their design and making. I found the clock kits on kitronik to be excellent but I know there are many different mechanisms available. Up until recently all acrylic parts have been hand cut but we have just got a laser cutter and this has helped students come up with even more interesting ideas and clocks to display around the classroom.

A selection of evaluation sheets I have used regularly with classes across key stages 2-5. I have found these have prompted students to respond in different ways and allowed for creativity in responses as it not only relies on written responses or individual work but gets feedback from peers. The life cycle analysis will get students to consider the environmental impact of their product at every stage of its production, use or even end of life. I have also used to good success with SEND classes.

This project is a nice introduction to the workshop and I have used it with much success with year 7 classes as they first start out in the workshop. The idea is that each student is given a small offcut of pine that they shape and drill the centre out of to turn it into a very small birdbox with an acrylic roof. This is then finished by hand painting before a plastic sharpener is glued inside to make it functional. Most take these home as gifts for family members and a few stay in the classroom for students to use to keep their pencils sharp for future drawing tasks. The booklet structures the lessons and helps students document their designs, making and evaluations. I have included dimensioned drawings for making and extension work to design packaging to fit around the finished item too. Keywords and space for teacher feedback are also present

This is a second contextual challenge project that I have written and used with key stage 3 and key stage 4 to introduce the idea of designing based upon a context. For key stage 4 this is a great introduction project prior to the NEA assessment they will complete. It starts with the concept of using products to celebrate a special moment. after exploring the context students can consider different moments from their own lives or the lives of others and look into areas of research before designing a number of solutions. the brief is fairly open and can be suited to a number of different material areas so can be run in different situations, workshop set ups etc. The booklet is fairly self-explanatory and includes tips and helpful comments to guide students through the design process. Teacher comments can be included throughout as well as on the back page and keywords are included to help students along the way.

This is a small contextual challenge project I have used with groups in key stage 3 and 4 in introducing them to the idea of exploring a context and being creative. I ask students to consider storing a valuable item and explore different areas before designing a set of solutions and then recording the manufacture, planning and finally an evaluation of the project. Each part of the booklet is self-explanatory and includes extra helpful hints and keywords to use on the back page. Teacher feedback can be included throughout but also on the back page for students to see clearly. the booklets work best when printed in colour and work best when printed on A3 paper and folded to make an A4 booklet.