You can use optional extension activities, such as additional focused practical tasks, to expect more of some pupils.

Focused practical tasks are led by teachers and are used to teach the knowledge, skills and understanding that pupils need for a DMA. Some tasks are essential for all pupils to do. Others can be used as additional extension activities that can be completed as classwork or homework. These optional activities can be used with gifted pupils to develop an extended range of designing and making skills, techniques and ideas for them to draw on during the DMA. As a result, they will approach the DMA in a more demanding way.

Unit 1B Playgrounds

Two essential activities

Discuss how modelling is used by designers to develop their ideas and test their products.

Show the children how to construct a square or rectangular frame using construction kit framework components. Show them how they could make the frames more stable and able to withstand greater loads.

Three optional activities

Ask the children to construct a slide using bricks from a construction kit. Show the children that a strip of card could be used for the slide part to make it more slippery. Try out the slide using a model figure.

Ask the children to construct a frame for a swing using suitable construction kit parts. Show how the seat could be made from a small cardboard box or a section from an egg box. Show how the seat can be made to swing by attaching it to the frame using string, wool or other thread.

Show how, and give the children the opportunity, to combine components from different construction kits using small pieces of masking tape, rubber bands or string. They could be given the task of making a seesaw using such techniques.

Unit 5D Biscuits

One essential activity

Demonstrate how to make a basic biscuit mixture. Demonstrate ways of mixing, combining and shaping. Demonstrate safe use of equipment. Remind children about hygienic practices when handling food.

Two optional activities

Talk about ingredients that could be added to the basic biscuit mixture. Discuss ways of finishing. Ask children to divide up the mixture and experiment with some of the different ways of customising the biscuits.

Children could compare a number of different biscuit mixtures (soft and elastic). Discuss with the children the effect of the different ingredients and methods on the end product.

Unit 8E(iii) Producing batches: focus: textiles

Two essential activities

In order to review progress, revise techniques that pupils are familiar with from year 7, and introduce a range of manufacturing techniques needed for the DMA. Pupils should revise health and safety regulations and, where appropriate, should test and compare different tools and pieces of equipment for the same task. Pupils could practise their skills by making a simple item from a design or plan they are given.

Show pupils examples of how manufacturing aids can be made or used to help with volume production. Discuss with them how they should take into account the use of manufacturing aids when making. Discuss how designing and making identical parts in a batch, using CAD/CAM or other manufacturing aids, can be cost effective and ensure accuracy.

Two optional activities

Discuss with the pupils how identical parts can be made using CAD/CAM or other manufacturing aids.

Revise or demonstrate to the pupils how to use CAD/CAM for making single items and for small batch production, and discuss when it is appropriate to use ICT. Discuss with the pupils the use of computer-controlled machines to realise their design, including safety points and technical advice. Allow the pupils to practise their skills by making a simple product, identified by the teacher. Make sure that the pupils have an opportunity to practise the skills they will need during the DMA.

Schemes of work

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