Local Crafts Upcycling

Overview

Unit: Upcycling: Creativity Meets Sustainability (Lesson 3 of 12)
Year Group: 5 (ages 9–10)
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 30 students
Subject: Other (Cross-curricular: Humanities, D&T, Literacy, Digital Competence)
Curriculum Reference: Curriculum for Wales – Expressive Arts, Humanities, Science and Technology, Literacy, Digital Competence

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will:

• Humanities / Expressive Arts: Identify and describe local traditional crafts that involve upcycling, recognising their cultural and environmental significance (e.g., RL4, FW1).
• Science and Technology: Understand how sustainable practices, including upcycling in crafts, contribute to environmental well-being (T1.2, T4).
• Literacy: Develop speaking and listening skills by researching and presenting information clearly, using appropriate vocabulary and responding to peer questions (L1.2, L1.4).
• Digital Competence: Use digital tools confidently to create and share information (DCDM1, DCDM2).

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Success Criteria

• I can explain what upcycling means and why it’s important.
• I can research a local craftsperson or industry that uses upcycling.
• I can work with a partner to prepare and give a clear presentation.
• I can answer simple questions about my presentation confidently.
• (Extension) I can create and share a digital presentation with peers.

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Resources Needed

• Research materials (books, printed articles about local crafts, craftsperson profiles)
• Tablets or laptops with presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Google Slides) or alternatives
• Paper and pens for notes
• Display board or projector for presentations
• Template outline for research and presentation planning
• Question prompt cards for audience during presentations

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Curriculum for Wales Alignment

• Humanities: Relating to own community and Wales — understanding cultural identity and sustainability (RfP: RL4)
• Science and Technology: Exploring sustainable materials and responsible design (Tech T1.2, T4)
• Expressive Arts: Communicating meaning through thoughtful expression (Arts FW1)
• Literacy: Developing effective speaking, listening, and presenting skills (L1.2, L1.4)
• Digital Competence: Using digital tools to find, organise and present information (DCDM1, DCDM2)

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter (5 minutes)

Activity: Teacher-led discussion:

• Introduce the concept of upcycling and ask students to share any examples they know from home or community.
• Show quick photos/examples of local traditional crafts that upcycle materials (e.g., Welsh wool blankets made from recycled yarn, furniture made from reclaimed wood).

Purpose: Activate prior knowledge and build curiosity.

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2. Main Activity Part 1 – Research (15 minutes)

Activity: Paired research task:

• Students are paired (mixed ability to support diverse learners). Each pair receives information on a different local craftsperson or industry that uses upcycling.
• Using provided print/digital resources, students identify:
  • What is the craft?
  • What materials are upcycled?
  • Why is this important for sustainability and culture?
• Pairs use the research template to guide notes.

Differentiation:

• Provide scaffolding sheets with sentence starters for less confident learners.
• More able learners encouraged to find additional details or historical context.

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3. Main Activity Part 2 – Presentation Preparation (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Pairs organise their notes into a short presentation (3-4 minutes).
• Support provided with structure: Introduction, main points, conclusion.
• Extension: Pupils confident in digital tools begin creating a simple digital presentation or slideshow on a device.

Differentiation:

• Provide graphic organisers to aid planning.
• Verbally rehearse presentations for those anxious about speaking.

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4. Presentation and Q&A (12 minutes)

Activity:

• Pairs present to the class using notes or digital presentations.
• After each presentation, the teacher or classmates ask 1-2 questions using prompt cards to encourage engagement.

Differentiation:

• Encourage peer support during Q&A to build confidence.
• Teachers can allow pupils to present in smaller groups if preferred.

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5. Plenary (3 minutes)

Activity: Class reflection:

• What did we learn about how upcycling and local crafts connect culture and sustainability?
• Quick thumbs-up/down: Do you feel more confident speaking in front of others?
• Remind of the next lesson’s focus and encourage students to think about their own creative upcycling ideas.

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Assessment

• Formative: Observations during research, presentation content, and confidence during Q&A.
• Success Criteria Check: Use a simple checklist noting clear communication, correct use of vocabulary, and ability to answer questions.
• Extension Evidence: Completed digital presentations submitted or shared.

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Differentiation Summary

• Pairing to support verbal learners and those with confidence issues.
• Scaffolding notes and sentence starters provided.
• Verbal rehearsal and graphic organisers assist learners with speech organisation.
• Advanced learners prompted to enrich content or use technology creatively.

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Extension Activity

• Pupils develop a digital presentation with sound clips or videos related to their local craft topic.
• Alternatively, they create a mini “digital museum” display combining text, images, and short explanations to share with younger pupils later.

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Teacher Tips

• Prepare prompt questions beforehand to promote deeper questioning during presentations.
• Encourage respectful listening and positive feedback among peers.
• Consider inviting a local craftsperson to share their work later in the unit to connect learning to real life.

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This lesson plan integrates Curriculum for Wales principles by linking cultural identity, sustainability, literacy, and digital competence, providing diverse and engaging experiences for Year 5 learners.