Design and Technology (DT)

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, children 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.

Children 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.

Intent

• to develop imaginative thinking in children and to enable them to talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making
• to enable children to talk about how things work, and to draw and model their ideas
• to encourage children to select appropriate tools and techniques for making a product, whilst following safe procedures
• to explore attitudes towards the ‘made’ world and how we live and work within it
• to develop an understanding of technological processes, products, their manufacture, and their contribution to our society
• to foster enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose in designing and making
• to enable children to recognise learning how to cook is a crucial life skill

Implementation

Staff use a variety of teaching and learning styles in design and technology lessons in line with the Kapow mixed age scheme of work.
The principal aims are to develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in design and technology and food preparation. Teachers ensure that the children apply their knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning and making products, and then evaluating them. This is done through a mixture of whole-class teaching and individual or group activities. Within lessons, children are given the opportunity both to work on their own and to collaborate with others, listening to other children’s ideas and treating these with respect. Children critically evaluate existing products, their own work and that of others. They have the opportunity to use a wide range of materials and resources, including ICT.

Impact

• Children will have clear enjoyment and confidence in design and technology that they will then apply to other areas of the curriculum.
• Children will ultimately know more, remember more and understand more about Design Technology, demonstrating this knowledge when using tools or skills in other areas of the curriculum and in opportunities out of school..
• As designers, children will develop skills and attributes they can use beyond school and into adulthood.