Design and Technology 

Intent

Design and Technology is an inspiring and practical subject requiring precision and meticulous attention to detail. The subject encourages children to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At St. Mary’s CE Primary School, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real problems within a variety of contexts. Wherever possible, design and technology projects are linked to other subjects such as Mathematics, science, computing, history, geography and art. Children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and they are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers.

Implementation

What do we teach? What does this look like? 

Our whole curriculum is shaped by our school vision which aims to enable all children to flourish to become the best they can possibly be. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an interactive process of designing and making. The children work in a range of relevant contexts (for example home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment).

When designing and making, the children are taught to:

Design

• use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups
• generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional diagrams, prototypes and pattern pieces

Make

• select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing) accurately
• select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

Evaluate

• investigate and analyse a range of existing products
• evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work
• understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world

Technical knowledge

• apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures
• understand and use mechanical systems in their products
• understand and use electrical systems in their products
   

Impact

Through Design and Technology, we ensure the children:

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users and critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook
• Children will design and make a range of products
• A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child
   

Children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.