Design Technology

DT in our school

At Stanley Road, we believe that Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. It encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively and to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team.

We encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, 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. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers.

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making. The children design and create products that consider function and purpose.

Using the National Curriculum, key skills and key knowledge for D and T have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups. This ensures that we are ambitious and have a broad and balanced curriculum.

The context for the children’s work in Design and Technology is also well considered and children learn about real life structures and the purpose of specific examples, as well as developing their skills throughout the programme of study.

 

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 individuals or groups.
  • Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion and annotated sketches.

Make

  • Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing, as well as chopping and slicing) accurately.
  • Select from and use a wider range of materials, ingredients and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties, qualities and where appropriate, taste.

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.

Develop, Use and Apply 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.
  • Understand some of the ways that food can be processed and the effect of different cooking practices (including baking and grilling).

    THE IMPORTANCE OF DT

    The Early Year’s Educational Programmes contain the early elements of DT. The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials.

    The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. The frequency, repetition and depth of their experiences are fundamental to their progress in interpreting and appreciating what they hear, respond to and observe.