Design and Technology
Intent – why we teach what we teach
The National Curriculum aims for Design and technology to be 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.
Implementation – how we teach what we teach
Design
Allow children to view and discuss functional designs and create their own innovative, appealing and purposeful products.
Make
Consider how designs are turned into functioning products. Choose suitable tools and materials to make their own product.
Evaluate
Explore a range of products and people who have shaped the world. Look at suitability, design a success criteria, discuss similar products and research.
Cooking and Nutrition
Create sweet and savoury dishes in order to explore healthy balanced diets. Understand where food comes from and how it is grown.
Technical knowledge
Discuss and understand the functioning world around them and why new inventions are needed every day. Build stable products, consider mechanisms, look at electrical systems and explore computer programming.
Impact – how we measure what we teach
When talking to the pupils, do they show:
- A developed understanding of the methods and skills designers use at an age appropriate level.
- A secure understanding of the key skills for each area of the curriculum: design, make, evaluate, cooking and nutrition, technical knowledge.
- A progression of vocabulary and skills to extend understanding.
- Confidence when discussing their own designs and products – identifying their own strengths and areas for development.
