design and technology

Design and Technology (DT) is an exciting and practical subject which helps our learners to develop the skills needed in our rapidly changing world. Our Pupils use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Over their journey they will develop skills progressively to produce and build up on them and apply in a variety of ways. Through the curriculum approach they will learn the importance of the design process, be encouraged to innovate, and take risks, plan, make and evaluate their products. 

EYFS Implementation

During the EYFS pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. They have the opportunities to learn to:

  • Use different media and materials to express their own ideas
  • Use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about form, function and purpose
  • Make plans and construct with a purpose in mind using a variety of resources
  • Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques appropriately, effectively and safely
  • Select appropriate resources for a product and adapt their work where necessary
  • Cook and prepare food adhering to good health and hygiene routines

KS1 Implementation

Within key stage 1 we aim to develop design, creativity and problem solving through purposeful design projects which promote the children’s skills in developing as individuals and as part of a team. Futher more, key stage 1 is a vital time to develop children’s understanding of the process designers engage in to ensure their finished product is effective. Children are introduced to important figures in design & technology and discuss their impact upon the world. Key stage 1 also aims to promote in children a clear understanding of where food comes from.

KEY Stage 1 National Curriculum Expectations

Design 

Pupils should be taught to:

  • design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria; • generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology

 

Make

 Pupils are be taught to:

  • select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing];
  • select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics.

 

Evaluate

 Pupils are be taught to:

  • explore and evaluate a range of existing products; • evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria. Technical Knowledge Pupils are be taught to
  • build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable;
  • explore and use mechanisms [for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles], in their products. Cooking and Nutrition Pupils are be taught to:
  • use the basic principles of a healthy and varied diet to prepare dishes; • understand where food comes from.

KS2 Implementation

Within key stage 2 key events and individuals that have influenced the world of Design Technology are teaching focuses that are to be covered. 
The use of computer programmes and applications are also a key focus to be utilised by children in their design of their products.

National Curriculum requirements at Key Stage 2

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils should be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They should work in a range of relevant contexts, for example, the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment. 

When designing and making, pupils 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 and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design 

 

Make 

  •  select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks, such as 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, (for example as gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages)
  •  understand and use electrical systems in their products, (for example series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors) 
  •  to apply their understanding of computing to programme, monitor and control their products.

 

National Curriculum requirements for food and nutrition at KS2

 As part of their work with food, pupils are taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life. 

Pupils are taught to: 

  • understand and apply the principles of a healthy and varied diet 
  • prepare and cook a variety of predominantly savoury dishes using a range of cooking techniques 
  • to understand seasonality, and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed. 

rights respecting school

Dormers Wells Primary School is a Right Respecting School we follow the UN Conventions Rights for children where we teach children about rights, through rights and for rights. We believe children who have understanding of their rights also understand how others and how they should be treated. Also, we aim to create a safe environment and atmosphere for our children. Rights Respecting gives children a voice to express themselves and challenge any injustices. They feel empowered to access information and make informed decisions about their learning, health and wellbeing. As a school, we want to equip our children to advocate for rights where they can promote equality, fairness and safety.

Design and Technology

Article 29 – Education must develop every child’s personality, talents and abilities to the full.

Article 31 – Every child has the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural activities.

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