Design and Technology

Intent

At Whoberley Hall, our intent is to create children who are innovative and creative thinkers who can design products that fulfil a need for a particular person or group of people using a three stage design process: Design, Make, Evaluate. Design and Technology is a vital part of our curriculum as it helps to prepare children to deal with tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. DT should provide children with a real-life context for learning whilst developing knowledge of past and present technology. We are committed to delivering a high-quality curriculum which engages, inspires and challenges pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create whilst also allowing them to feel confident in taking risks. This means we provide opportunities for children to explore current products, draft designs, test ideas and then reflect on their learning by evaluating their own and others’ work. We also provide our children with the subject specific language they need to describe, question and discuss designs and products.

In DT lessons, children will be inspired by engineers, designers, chefs and architects to enable them to create a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products with a real-life purpose. Children will return to key concepts and skills and develop them further in each phase so that they make good progression over time.

Expectations

By the end of EYFS children will:

Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paint brushes and cutlery. They will safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. They will share their creations, explaining the process they have used. Children will begin to show accuracy and care when drawing.

By the end of Key Stage 1 children will:

Design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria. They will generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology. When making, they will select from and use a range of tools, materials and equipment to perform practical tasks. They will explore and evaluate a range of existing products and evaluate their own ideas and products against design criteria. When making products, children will build structures, explore and use mechanisms and use the basic principles of a healthy and varied diet.

By the end of Key Stage 2 children will:

Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at specific individuals or groups. They will generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas in a range of ways. When making, they will select from and use a wider range of tools, materials and equipment to perform practical tasks. Children will investigate and analyse a range of existing products and evaluate their own ideas and products against their own design criteria, considering the views of others to improve their work. They will understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world. When making products children will apply their understanding of structures, textiles, mechanical or electrical systems and the principles of a healthy and varied diet.

Our aim is to build an awareness of the impact of design and technology on our lives and equip children with the skills to contribute to future design advancements. We encourage children to go on to apply these skills across all subjects, as well as in their futures. Ultimately, we seek to promote high aspirations and to create a life-long love of the subject.