Year 6 Designers in the Making

Year 6 students have soared to new heights in Design and Technology this term by designing and building their very own bird feeders or bird boxes. Before moving on to the practical elements, the students carefully planned their designs, thinking about dimensions, structure and purpose. With sketches in hand, the students were ready for the workshop phase.

Through the lessons, they were shown how to use tenon saws, junior hack-saws and vices to secure and cut wood safely and precisely; repetition quickly helped them to uplevel their skills as they discovered the importance of accuracy and control. They measured each piece meticulously and used a set-square (or tri-square) to ensure their angles were correct. Once cut, the wood was sanded to achieve smooth, feather‑light edges ready for joining.

Construction brought its own challenges, but the students showed remarkable resilience and adaptability. Using wood glue and nails to assemble the pieces, they demonstrated focus and creativity by solving problems and refining their designs along the way. Even when tasks felt tricky, they persevered; plenty of wonky nails were removed carefully with a claw hammer.

By the end of the project, every student had created a unique bird box or feeder they could feel proud of. More importantly, they had developed key attitudes that will continue to help them fly high: engagement, creativity, determination and the confidence to tackle demanding practical work before they enter Secondary School. This unit didn’t just build bird boxes—it helped build independence, resilience and a genuine sense of achievement. Their creations can be used in gardens or on balconies to serve the bird population of Bangkok. With their new skills and determination, the sky is the limit.