Design Technology - Garden Escapes (Lower Key Stage 2) - CAD Version

This unit of work forms part of the PrimaryDT scheme of work that features over 60 units of work designed to deliver outstanding outcomes for primary school children in design technology.
This unit of work has been revised and updated for 2026 and is based on delivering six sessions of design technology that are guided by high quality presentation slides accompanied by all the resources that are needed to deliver the lessons, including a knowledge organiser.

Comprehensive medium-term planning that includes
• Unit overview and sequence of learning
• Prior learning needed and links to other curriculum areas
• Learning statements (from our curriculum pathway document)
• List of resources and background information to support teaching and learning
• Key vocabulary for the unit of work
• Teaching activities (investigative and focus tasks)
• Teaching activities (designing and making)
• Advice for challenge and support strategies
• Assessment indicators that children are keeping up with the curriculum

Accompanying this revised unit is further information about the scheme of work and the progression chart and vocabulary list used when creating the scheme of work.

Sequence of Learning for Teachers
In this project, children design and make a prototype animal home for the school garden or a local park. They are introduced to using computer software to help design products and use this software to design an animal home. Children learn about frame and shell structures and techniques to make them stronger, stiffer and more stable. They apply this knowledge when making their animal home prototype by constructing a wooden framework using the Jinks method and then use cardboard cladding to create the outer shell structure. As part of the evaluation process children participate in a Dragon’s Den activity where they present their prototype design and model to a ‘panel of experts’.

This knowledge, skills and understanding is delivered through the following six sessions:

1. Investigate 1 – Animal Homes & Investigate 2 – Investigating Structures
2. Investigate 3 – Understanding Structures & Focus Task 1 – Making a Wooden Framework
3. Focus Task 2 – Introducing Computer-Aided Design
4. Design and Make - Designing the Animal Home
5. Design and Make - Making the Animal Home
6. Evaluation Session – Into the Dragon’s Den