Intent
Our love of investigation and problem solving begins in the EYFS, where children show curiosity about objects and develop the ability to question why things happen. They are engaged in open-ended activities to allow them to find ways to solve problems, find new ways to do things and test their ideas. In addition to this, they are taught how to choose the resources they need and handle equipment and tools safely and effectively. All children have the opportunity to begin representing their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through design and technology from the very start of their journey at All Saints.
This work is then built upon in KS1 and KS2 through the national curriculum for design and technology which aims to ensure that all pupils fulfil their potential and aims to:
- 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.
Implementation
Activities are planned to encourage full and active participation by all pupils in accordance with the relevant and agreed policies.The children are taught a range of designing and making skills progressively throughout each key stage. Key enquiry skills are taught throughout the units and are represented with symbols to make it explicitly clear to the children which skills they are focusing on in a particular lesson. This begins in EYFS and continues through KS1 and into KS2. This allows the children to be clearer about their own learning and make links between concepts and ideas.
All projects are planned using an investigative approach so that Design Technology activities are relevant and purposeful.
Knowledge organisers are created by the teacher and shared with the subject leader and include prior learning to ensure all children have the opportunity to build upon their existing knowledge and skills. The plans are used to identify activities and assessments so that it can be taught in line with the scheme and policy. Plans are evaluated at the end of the project so that they can be modified and improved before they are delivered again.
Skills progression grids are used as a basis for planning so that pupils can gain age appropriate skills to meet the aims of the policy. By the end of KS2 children will be knowledgeable and skilled in:
- Mechanical systems
- Structures
- Textiles
- Electrical systems
- Programming, monitoring and control
- Cooking and Nutrition
EYFS
In the EYFS, through ‘knowledge and understanding of the world’ and ‘Expressive arts and design’ children explore and select materials and equipment and use skills such as cutting, joining, folding and building for a variety of purposes. Children experience different construction kits which allow control, movement, methods of linking and joining pieces together and taking them apart. Children develop these ideas by simple drawings, making models and it arouses their curiosity by discussing how things work with simple technological vocabulary and adapting.
Opportunity is provided for each child to develop his/her design and technology capability through:
- Assignments in which they design and make products.
- Focused practical tasks in which they develop and practise particular skills and knowledge.
- Activities in which they investigate, disassemble and evaluate simple products.
Each child is given the opportunity to work with a range of materials and components, to work independently and in teams and to apply skills, knowledge and understanding from other curriculum subjects, where appropriate. The work undertaken should be practical, enjoyable and relevant for all children
Health and Safety
Children will be taught appropriate methods of handling and using tools, equipment and materials safely, considering the hazards and risks in their activities and following simple instructions to control risk to themselves.
Impact
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, pupils 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.
