Design and Technology 

Intent 

Our curriculum is informed by, but not limited to the PlanIt scheme and the national curriculum for design and technology and aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• 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 

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Design and Technology encourages pupils to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At Town Farm, we encourage pupils 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. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. The pupils 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. 

We believe design and technology encompasses the acquisition of technical knowledge, concepts, skills and positive attitudes. Throughout the programmes of study, the pupils work towards the key knowledge that has been identified within each unit and across each year group.  This knowledge is informed by the national curriculum and builds towards identified key stage end points in accordance with NC expectations.  Key skills for designing, making and evaluating are also mapped for each year group and are progressive throughout the school.  These too ensure systematic progression to identified skills end points which are in accordance with the expectations of the national curriculum.   

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) follows the ‘Development Matters’ guidance which aims for all pupils in reception to have an Understanding of the World by the end of the EYFS. 

Implementation

 
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 pupils design and create products that consider function and purpose and which are relevant to a range of sectors (for example, the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment). 

When designing and making, pupils 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, 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, aesthetic 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. 

• apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products 

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

Impact 

We ensure the pupils: 

• 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 a range of cooking and baking skills. Pupils will design and make a range of healthy and nutritious recipes. A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child 

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.