By Mrs Crawford-Smith (PYP Coordinator)

As we welcome in the new term, Year 5 have jumped straight into their Unit of Inquiry, which explores the Central Idea that People provide services and goods based on community wants and needs and available resources. 

During a workshop, the pupils learnt about international companies who have developed services that support communities who lack infrastructure and ……? One such company is Ox Delivers. The founders of OX Delivers recognised that the farmers and smallholders of Rwanda did not have the infrastructure that they needed in order to grow their businesses and be successful. Consequently, their engineers developed a truck especially for the dirt roads found in Rwanda. It is sturdy and strong, just like an OX, and it is very simply designed, so if a part breaks, it’s easy to fix. It is also powered by electricity, not by diesel fuel, so it doesn't pollute the air. 

Through role play and discussion, the pupils considered the impact that these vital services can have on the lives of the farmers of Rwanda and began to recognise the importance of these services. We then set the Year 5 girls a challenge - Create a transportation device to serve a purpose in a community. Over the course of this Unit of Inquiry, we will be exploring concepts such as impact and forces through Science and Design and Technology lessons. With their newfound understanding of the laws of physics and woodwork skills, they will be able to design, construct and evaluate vehicles which could make life changing differences to communities across the globe. 

Keep an eye on our Junior School Instagram account to see their creations!