Design and Technology

Design and Technology is a practical subject that develops creativity and imagination and encourages children to think about the design of an object and how it has been created.  It teaches children how to be creative by designing their own models, take risks and be resourceful. It supports collaborative working and building resilience, as each setback is overcome and designs are modified and improved.

Intent:

• To support children in developing the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. 
• To 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. 
• To teach children how to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
• To understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

Implementation: 

All children will experience a variety of creative and practical activities, where they will be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. 

When designing and making, children will be taught the three main processes of Design and Technology incorporating Technical knowledge throughout.  

Design

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

Make

Children will be given opportunities to select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks e.g.  cutting, shaping, joining and finishing.  They will select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics. 

Evaluate

Children will explore and evaluate a range of existing products.   They will learn to evaluate their ideas and products against a design criteria. 

Technical knowledge

The technical knowledge that children will develop through each topic will include: building structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable and explore and use mechanisms e.g. levers, sliders, wheels and axles in their products.