Design Technology
Rooted in optimism, ambition and kindness, we grow together.
At Leighterton Primary School, we see Design and Technology as a key subject for developing creativity and problem-solving, as well as critical thinking and practical skills.
‘Design is thinking made visual.’ (Saul Bass)
‘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 in England, September 2013)
Our overarching aim for Design and Technology is to promote a high level of understanding of practical skills, knowledge and processes.
National Curriculum Purpose of Study:
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 Aims:
The national curriculum for design and technology 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.
The Design and Technology curriculum at Leighterton Primary School is built around the statutory content of the 2014 National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. Design and Technology is a foundation subject; the National Curriculum programmes of study require children to be taught to design, make, evaluate and develop technological knowledge, as well as how to cook and apply the principles of good nutrition and healthy eating.
At our school, the content of the curriculum is taught around a two-year rolling programme. Each unit is explored through one of five learning lenses: Food, Structures, mechanisms, Textiles and Electrical (yr5/6). These lenses help pupils build secure knowledge and develop strong design skills.
Early Years Foundation Stage
Within the Early Years Foundations Stage, the specific area of ‘Expressive Arts and Design’ encompasses a range of early design and technology skills and knowledge.
In the Revised Early Years Foundation Stage, expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.
Design and technology reflects the three characteristics of effective teaching and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage:
- playing and exploring – children investigate and experience things, and ‘have a go’
- active learning – children concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties, and enjoy achievements
- creating and thinking critically – children have and develop their own ideas, make links between ideas, and develop strategies for doing things
Continuous provision in the EYFS is resourced and facilitated to ensure that opportunities for early design and technology skills and knowledge are developed.
