Design Technology
Intent
Our aims agree with those set out in the National Curriculum:
- develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
- 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
- critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
- understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook
The school aims to develop in all children a positive attitude towards DT by making it an interesting and relevant subject as well as providing opportunities for all children within the school to develop to their full potential in DT. Therefore, achieving the overall school aim: “We aim to teach and prepare your child today, for their tomorrow.”
The main aspects of DT to be studied are determined by the programmes of study of the National Curriculum 2014. DT projects should be carried out once every term.
We aim to:
- Provide a relevant, challenging and enjoyable curriculum for DT for all children
- Use DT as a tool to enhance learning throughout the curriculum
- Respond to new developments in design and in new technologies
- Encourage creative problem solving individually and in groups
- Develop imaginative thinking in children and to enable them to talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making.
- Encourage children to select appropriate tools and techniques for making a product, whilst following safe procedures
- Foster enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose in designing and making
- To use ICT software to assist our designing and learning
By the end of key stage 2, most children will be able 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 [for example, 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, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages]
- understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]
- apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products
Cooking and nutrition
- 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
- understand seasonality, and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed
Implementation
New Invention Junior School adheres to the guidelines laid down in the National Curriculum for DT. The Design Technology Association’s ‘Projects on a page’ resources have been used to form the basis of the DT curriculum with projects being linked to the wider curriculum where possible. Please see the curriculum overview for DT and the progression of skills document below for more information.
Impact
The National Curriculum states: 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.
DT at New Invention Junior School is a subject that children enjoy. The skills and knowledge learned can be used in lots of ways in the world beyond the classroom. Our school views the acquisition of DT skills to be of the upmost importance and so the teaching of all aspects of DT is given a high priority. Through developing their DT skills, pupils learn how to take risks, become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.
Follow this link to see the KS1 and KS2 national curriculum for Design and Technology: