Designing and Creating Bird Boxes in Year 10 Design – March 2025
The brief – to design and make a conceptual, architectural bird box, influenced by one of the following design movements: Bauhaus Design, Art Deco or Memphis Design.
Stepping into the classroom to meet with Year 10 mid-design and creation of their individual bird boxes, the whirring and whizzing of the machinery and the sound of sanding and hammering filled the room. Looking around it was clear to see that the students were a few weeks into this particular project, as bird box designs and concepts of different styles at different stages were scattered across the classroom, with students eager to continue creating them.
Talking to Sam about his design he shared,
“I wanted to make a large bird box, so I went for the Bauhaus Design, which I’ve chosen to create quite simply. As you can see from my cardboard model I’ve added a dimension to the side of the bird box that I think will make it a much larger piece, really give it the wow factor!”
He continued,
“I’m currently finishing off the roof, and I’ve just finished making the bird hole in the front of the bird box, which I did using the Pillar drill – it was great fun learning how to use it and seeing what you can do.”
Talking about why he’s chosen Design as a GCSE option he said,
“It’s always fun, I really love making stuff, learning how to use new tools, machinery and techniques, and there’s lots of independence in terms of making our projects come to life.”
Having chosen to base her design on the Memphis Design, Edie shared,
“Of the three Design movements, I liked this one the best, I’m going to create something patterned, something that’s colourful and bright.” Talking about what she enjoys about Design she shared, “I really enjoy the practical side of Design, creating something with your own hands, that you created in your mind, is brilliant, I always have so much fun – and all while I’m learning so much.”
Looking around the room, there are variations of each design movement coming to life, and the students are deep in thought, focused and busy creating what they’ve envisaged from the start. Mrs Cracknell, Head of Design at Woodbridge School commented,
“It’s an extremely lively, active part of Design, when the students’ plans and imagination come to life – through materials, machinery and skills they’re learning in each lesson. They thoroughly enjoy the process, and we’re looking forward to having some brilliant homes for birds at the end of this project.”
Before we leave, Lade shares his design with us, based on the Bauhaus movement, he said,
“I really like curves in design, so that’s what made me go for this style. I think it looks really modern and aesthetic.”
He continued,
“The thing I enjoy most about Design is the process of taking thoughts and inspirations, raw materials and tools, and creating something individual.” Talking about his actual design he explained, “I’m about to secure the floor and the roof on the bird box, and I think then I’ll be about half way through the project. I’m not going to decorate it, I prefer to see the raw wood.”
To find out more about Design at Woodbridge School visit woodbridgeschool.org.uk/the-arts/design/.
