Design and Technology
Introduction
“Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils 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. 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.” (National Curriculum 2014)
Intent
At Sandon JMI we want children to be innovative and creative thinkers who have an appreciation for the product design cycle through ideation, creation and evaluation. We want children to develop the confidence to take risks, through drafting design concepts, modelling and testing and to be reflective learners who evaluate their work and the work of others. We aim to build an awareness of the impact of design and technology on our lives and encourage pupils to become resourceful, enterprising citizens who will have the skills to contribute to future design advancements.
Implementation
The Design and Technology national curriculum outlines the three main stages of the design process: design, make and evaluate. Each stage of the design process is underpinned by technical knowledge which encompasses the contextual, historical and technical understanding required for each strand. Cooking and nutrition focuses on specific principles, skills and techniques in food, including where food comes from, diet and seasonality.
The National Curriculum organises Design and technology into five strands:
- Design
- Make
- Evaluate
- Technical knowledge
- Cooking and nutrition
At Sandon JMI Key stage 1 and 2 follow the Kapow Primary Scheme of work which fully aligns with the National Curriculum. We follow a clear progression of skills and knowledge within these five strands across each year group. Pupils respond to design briefs and scenarios that require consideration of the needs of others, developing their skills in six key areas:
- Mechanisms
- Structures
- Textiles
- Cooking and nutrition
- Electrical systems (KS2)
- Digital world (KS2)
The Kapow Primary curriculum is a spiral curriculum, with key areas visited again and again with increasing complexity, allowing pupils to revisit and build on their previous learning.
Lessons incorporate a range of teaching strategies from independent tasks, paired and group work including practical hands-on, computer-based and inventive tasks. Tasks are differentiated so all pupils can access learning and there are opportunities to stretch children’s learning where needed.
In EYFS we develop skills that form the foundations that Key Stage 1 and 2 build upon. We follow a carefully sequenced plan where children build upon skills and knowledge step by step. Children also have lots of children have lots of opportunities in Child-initiated learning and adult led sessions to develop skills in designing, making, evaluating, cooking and also their technical knowledge through junk modelling, construction, forest school, cooking, science and creative activities both inside and outside.
Sandon JMI Design and ||Technology Skills and Knowledge Progression
Sandon JMI Design and Technology Long term plan
Sandon JMI Design and Technology vocabulary
Sandon JMI EYFS Design and Technology Skills, Knowledge and vocabulary