Refreshed scheme (2026)

Structures: Helmets

Designing and making a helmet, using strengthening techniques to reinforce the shell structure.

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  5. Structures: Helmets

You're viewing: 2026 Scheme. This is the updated scheme for September 2026 onwards. Explore the current scheme

Unit outcomes

Pupils who are secure will be able to:

  • Describe what a shell structure is and describe what makes an effective helmet.
  • Design a helmet for a specific user by choosing appropriate features.
  • Explain layering techniques used to strengthen a helmet.
  • Use layering techniques to make a helmet and reflect on the process.
  • Evaluate the strengthening required in the helmet and justify appropriate strengthening techniques.
  • Follow a design plan and use appropriate techniques to strengthen and stiffen the helmet.
  • Communicate with peers when making improvements.
  • Analyse helmets’ strengths and weaknesses and evaluate how they work for their purpose.

Three pre-made papier-mâché helmets are required for Lesson 3: Strengthening techniques. Watch the Pupil video: Papier-mâché helmets and follow the steps to create shell structures showing one, two and three layers of papier-mâché to compare during the lesson.

Suggested prior learning

Structures: Product packaging

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Lessons

Refreshed

Lesson 1: Exploring shell structures

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Refreshed

Lesson 2: Making papier-mâché shells

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Refreshed

Lesson 3: Strengthening techniques

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Lesson 4: Strengthening shell structures

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Lesson 5: Evaluating shell structures

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Key skills

Design

  • Noticing simple problems or
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Key knowledge

Design

To know:

  • A problem or
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Key vocabulary

analyse

effective

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Equipment list

Equipment needed across all lessons in this unit.

This list does not include equipment which is usually readily available in the classroom (e.g pencils, A4 paper etc)

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Full equipment list for the subject

Quantities marked × will update. Items without quantities are unaffected

  • Newspaper or scrap paper
  • PVA glue ×1
  • A selection of Glue spreaders
  • Balloons As needed
  • Bowls ×8

  • Foam sheets

         ×15
  • Felt tip pens ×30
  • Scissors right- and left-handed options recommended. ×30
  • Card ×30

  • Cotton wool 
  • Bean bags ×30
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Related content

    Resources

Unit resources

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Design and technology

Knowledge organiser – D&T Y4: Structures: Helmets

Aimed at pupils, two pages which give key facts and definitions from the unit ‘Structures: Helmets’.

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Design and technology

Vocabulary display – D&T Y4: Structures: Helmets

A display version of the vocabulary from the unit 'Structures: Helmets'.

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Subject resources

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Cross-curricular opportunities

Science: Living things and their habitats.

RSE: Personal safety.

Art.

English: Spoken language.

British values: Mutual respect.

Build on the learning

Structure: Bridges

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