Design Technology
Intent
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils 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.
(National Curriculum Document 2014)
- to develop 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 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
At St Theresa’s we provide a high quality Design and Technology curriculum that covers appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum Programme of study. This broad and balanced curriculum encourages children to be creative and imaginative, solving real and relevant problems in an increasingly technological world. These experiences aim to prepare children for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences for later life.
Children at St Theresa’s start their Design and Technology learning journey in EYFS and are actively encouraged to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of Design and Technology through meaningful opportunities through expressive arts and design and imagination. Children in EYFS are encouraged to experiment with materials, tools, techniques, and experiment with colour, design, texture, form and function.
In KS1 and KS2 we follow the “Projects on a Page” Scheme of work, which allows teachers to be creative with their lessons, whilst still ensuring that all aspects of the National Curriculum are covered. Our curriculum gives the children the skills and knowledge required to help them to design, make, and evaluate their own relevant and real life products. As the children move through the school, they are presented with opportunities to build on skills and knowledge by revisiting and building upon similar topics such as Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems and Textiles.
Food and Nutrition is one of the Design and Technology Topics. This gives children the opportunity to learn about healthy and nutritious foods and how to prepare and make dishes. Children are also given experience in using heat sources to plan and prepare meals.
Impact
As a result of our Design and Technology teaching at St. Theresa’s you will see:
- Happy, confident and engaged children who are challenged appropriately.
- Children who can talk about their learning and knowledge in this subject.
- Children who have creative, technical and practical ability to perform everyday tasks confidently.
- Children who are prepared for the technological world that they will encounter in later life.
- Children will have a range of knowledge, understanding and skills to meet consumer needs within the spectrum of Design and Technology.
- Children to be confident in evaluating and testing their own ideas and products, and that of others whilst demonstrating resilience to reach their end product.
- Children will be confident in the understanding of the importance of food and nutritional values whilst also building skills on preparing and cooking food.
- Lessons that use a variety of resources to support learning.