Design and Technology
Design and technology is a subject where children learn about designing and making things that are useful. Ideas for most designs come from things that are already around us and, over time, designers gradually improve them. Children learn about where to get ideas, how to make things, who the things are for and how to make designs better.
We aim to foster through our teaching the following characteristics in our learners:
- Significant levels of originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes.
- An excellent attitude to learning and independent working.
- 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.
- The ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.
- A passion for the subject and knowledge of, up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.
The 3 thresholds concepts for Design and Technology are:
1.To master practical skills- developing the skills needed to make high quality products
2. To design, make, evaluate and improve developing the process of design thinking and seeing design as a process.
3. To take inspiration from design throughout history- appreciating the design process that has influenced the products we use in everyday life.
The 7 subject topic categories are:
food, materials, textiles, electronics, computing, construction and mechanics
Children are taught DT every term in a blocked unit of work, normally lasting six sessions over a two or three week block. We use the Chris Quigley Design and Technology scheme as the basis for our work and aim to teach in a cross curricular way by linking our DT products to the termly theme and other areas of the curriculum. Our long term plan is structured over two years, due to mixed aged classes, and content is adapted where necessary to meet the needs of the different ages and abilities and circumstances of the class at the time.