Design Technology

INTENT 

At All Saints Catholic Primary School, we believe Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject which allows children to be creative and imaginative when working as individuals or as part of a team. At All Saints, we give all children the opportunity to design and make a variety of products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own needs and the needs of others’, their wants and values. We aim to provide all children with a broad range of subject knowledge in the EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Evaluating and reflecting on past and present design and technology, gives children an understanding of its uses, impact and effect on daily life and the wider world. Designers at All Saints are innovators with a desire to produce high-quality products.

IMPLEMENTATION 

Design Technology encourages pupils at All Saints to develop a questioning approach to designing and making. Pupils develop their skills through different topics which use focused practical tasks to develop particular skills and knowledge, followed by a specific design task. Pupils are given the opportunity to use a variety of simple mechanisms, technology kits, and a wide selection of materials, tools and techniques. They are encouraged to develop their ideas through discussion, both with their peers and the class teacher and to modify their work as necessary. Children are encouraged to work both individually and in small groups. The skills developed in this practical subject have a lifelong application and allows for achievement at all levels. Design and Technology is a subject that encourages pupils to think creatively and solve practical problems. Through a process of research, planning, making and evaluating, pupils apply their learning to solving a meaningful real-world task. Practical skills such as creating structures and mechanisms, choosing and using appropriate tools and materials, adding electronic components to models, and safe and healthy cooking techniques, are all linked to class topics or situations the children experience every day. Design and Technology provides many opportunities for using skills learned in maths and literacy lessons, as pupils need to be able to communicate their ideas and plans effectively and be accurate when preparing materials and ingredients for their projects. Cooking and nutrition projects, working closely with Dolce, teach pupils how to prepare a range of healthy foods, as well as learning where food comes from and when it grows.

IMPACT 

At All Saints, we develop the creative and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks. We ensure that all children learn to take risks as designers that will enable them to become resilient and participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. In Key Stage 1, all children will begin to build a repertoire of knowledge that will further progress and be applied across Key Stage 2 when designing and making high- quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users. During the design process, designers at All Saints have the opportunity to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products as well as the work of others to enable them to understand the most suitable materials to use and consider any further developments and improvements for future products. As well as understanding and applying the principles of nutrition, children at All Saints will learn how to cook; through designing and making a range of products and equipment that are age appropriate for both key stages.