Design and Technology

Design and Technology is an inspiring and practical subject. We encourage children to use their creativity to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Children acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and are able to apply cross-curricular skills from mathematics, science, engineering, computing
and art breaking through the barriers of stereotypes. Children are encouraged
to become innovators and risk-takers, building resilience as they work as both
individuals and members of a team. They are also given opportunities to reflect
upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its
effectiveness.

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge,
understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing
and making. The children work in a range of relevant contexts (for example
home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment).
When designing and making, the children are taught 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 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
help 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
• understand and use electrical systems in their products
• apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control
their products

Design and Technology is taught through the Cornerstones curriculum, ensuring
that there is always a context for the children’s work. Key knowledge and key
skills for Design and Technology have been mapped across the school to ensure
progression between year groups.

We ensure children:
• 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 and 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.

Children will design and make a range of products. A high quality finish will be
expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of
the child. 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. High-quality design and technology education
makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being
of the nation.

Policy for Design technology