Design Technology is a practical subject which involves children designing and making products that have purpose. Children are encouraged to find solutions to practical problems, to use their creative and scientific mind to produce pieces of work that have meaning.

At St Francis Primary School and we teach Design Technology through a creative curriculum, it is also integrated through a topic based approach (Other Faiths, Sports Week etc.) and through the current national curriculum. DT is all about creative problem solving helping to develop many important skills and allows children to use their imagination to bring learning to life. They learn through experimenting, designing, drawing and testing to make fantastic working end products. Opportunities for learning include designing and making a playground and puppets to designing healthy sandwiches, developing flavours for biscuit making and about how bread can contribute to a balanced diet.

Children are taught the importance of the entire process, from the planning, skills involved, making the product, and are given the opportunity to evaluate and reflect on their work.

Intent

Design and Technology offers children a chance to use creative thinking and activity within a defined purpose and tangible outcome.  It can be found in objects that children use in everyday life and in their environment.  Children should be inspired to see how DT affects us all, and be inspired by engineers, chefs, designers, architects and see how design technology enables them to create a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products with a real-life purpose.

Our aims in the teaching of Design and Technology are to allow pupils to:

  • Develop design and making skills.
  • Develop knowledge and understanding.
  • Use a wide range of tools and materials.
  • Learn about health and safety and protective measures.
  • Work individually and within a group in a variety of contexts.
  • Develop the capability to create products of a high standard through skills and understanding.
  • Promote creativity and innovation.
  • Explore the man-made world and encourage discussion of how we live and work within it.
  • Learn the principles of nutrition, healthy eating and how to cook.

Implementation

As a subject, design and technology combines skills, knowledge, concepts and values to enable children to tackle real problems. It can improve analysis, problem solving, practical capability and evaluation skills.

The Foundation Stage 

The Foundation Stage focuses on the skills needed to complete construction materials and food hygiene topics in readiness for Key Stage 1 curriculum. A wide variety of activities are planned throughout the year based around children’s interests and their personal areas of development.  This is supported through planning around various topics. Materials and resources are accessible for pupils to source independently. Pupils are encouraged to plan, assess and evaluate their work.

Key Stage 1 and 2

In Key Stage 1 and 2, DT is taught half termly, in a 2 day block which allows children to plan, evaluate and reassess the process they are engaged in. It is linked to and taught cross curricular with particular links to English topics. The teaching and implementation of the DT Curriculum at St Francis RC Primary School is based on the National Curriculum and is supported by Plan B scheme of work, ensuring a well-structured approach.

All teaching of DT should follow the design, make and evaluate cycle. There should be evidence in each of these stages in the DT books, which should also develop to show clear progression across the key stages as they are passed up through each year group.

The key skills children are taught :

  • Sewing and textiles
  • Cooking and nutrition
  • Electrical and mechanical components
  • Using materials

Impact

By the time pupils leave St Francis they will have:

  • An excellent attitude to learning and independent working.
  • Met the attainment targets in the D&T programme of study.
  • The ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
  • The ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
  • The ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
  • A thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
  • The ability to apply mathematical knowledge and skills accurately.
  • The ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.
  • A love of the subject.