Design and Technology

‘I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.’ (thomas a. edison)

intent

Design and Technology prepares pupils to participate in today’s rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. They must look for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design technology, its uses and effects. Through design and technology, all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products and become innovators.

Design and technology education aims to:

Provide opportunities for children to experience investigating designing, making and modifying, using a wide range of materials including card, textiles, construction materials and kits and food, and adopting environmentally friendly practices where possible, through recycling and reusing materials and consumables.
Develop children’s capabilities in design and technology using knowledge and skills from a wide range of other curriculum areas, making fundamental cross-curricular links.
Create and achieve good quality products, to high standards, through practical activities, fit for their intended purpose, following lesson objectives, being mindful of the DT ‘Golden Rule’.
Encourage the use of ICT as a tool in engaging children in investigative enquiry, research for projects or study of technologies past and present or gathering resources using digital and video cameras.
Lead children through a logical process where ideas may be transformed into objects which they continually evaluate and modify, to fit the purpose.
Provide the opportunity to disassemble, investigate and evaluate products, in an enjoyable practical learning environment.
Teach an understanding that the world is a fragile planet and its future depends on the way they treat the environment by discovering ways to recycle, reduce and reuse materials.
Design and Technology also aims to develop credible thinkers who can make good choices in food, diet and lifestyle.

implementation

In order to achieve these aims, Design and Technology is organised into skills-based units and contributes to cross-curricular topics. Opportunities are provided for the development of skills and integration with other subjects, including Numeracy, Literacy, Science and Art.

The planning and teaching of DT follows the investigate, design, make and evaluate cycle. Whilst making, children will be given choice and a range of tools to choose freely from. Progression is assessed by class teachers through the analysis of the pupil’s ability to evaluate, design, make and improve their own work.

impact

An excellent attitude to learning and independent working, enabling our children to become critical thinkers.
The ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
A thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
The ability to apply mathematical knowledge and skills accurately.
The ability to manage risks to manufacture products safely and hygienically becoming resourceful, innovative and enterprising individuals.
A passion and excitement for designing and making products including working with, preparing and tasting food.