Design Technology
Intent
Design and Technology (DT) is an important element of our curriculum as we prepare our children for future interests and careers as designers. Our DT objectives are taken from the National Curriculum. Children begin to learn the skills in EYFS, and these are built upon through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 through a variety of creative and practical activities.
DT is divided into four disciplines: designing, making, evaluating and technical knowledge. Children build up the substantive knowledge necessary for each discipline through using explicit relevant vocabulary, and disciplinary knowledge enables them to use this substantive knowledge of products and materials around them to make links between and across the different areas of the curriculum.
Implementation
One DT topic is taught each term. Lessons are taught in blocks which allows skills and knowledge to develop following the four disciplines and building on previously learnt skills. The children begin by studying existing products before designing their own. They have the opportunities to explore both materials that are familiar to them and new materials relevant to their level of development. Through making, the children learn how to select and use tools and equipment accurately and safely to cut, shape, join and finish. The iterative process of designing and making allows for error and improvement. Through evaluation of their own and the work of others, they can use their knowledge and understanding to suggest how existing products may be improved with the advances in modern technology. Support through adapting tools, equipment and materials ensures that all abilities are able to access the DT curriculum. Staff receive relevant in-house training to enable them to deliver fun, creative and practical lessons.
All children will be taught the principles of healthy eating and nutrition which has cross-curricular links with science and RSE. They will learn where food comes from and how to prepare simple healthy foods, building on essential skills such as cutting and grating. Computer Aided Design (CAD) is an important part of the DT curriculum, which promotes the learning from computing lessons. Reading, writing and the use of substantive technical vocabulary are promoted throughout each topic.
Impact
The children will be enthusiastic, resilient, determined and proud of what they achieve through designing and making their own products. Securing skills and knowledge in each Key Stage will prepare them to build upon previous learning and knowledge, and empower them with skills to take into the wider world.
