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 2014)
Intent
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. At Sutton CP, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We aim to, wherever possible, link this work to other subjects so they can draw on and deepen their subject knowledge across the curriculum.
Through a variety of creative and practical activities children will enjoy exploring products, materials, equipment and techniques that will enable them to develop their knowledge, understanding, skills and technical expertise. Children will have opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses, effectiveness and its impact on daily life and the wider world. They will engage in a process of design and making, creating a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products with purpose and enthusiasm.
During this process it is our intention that children will learn how to take risks, understand the value of making mistakes and develop the confidence to get through challenges, becoming resourceful and innovative.
Implementation
Through a variety of creative and practical activities we teach the knowledge, understanding
and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making. Teaching of Design and
Technology will follow the research, design, make and evaluate cycle. Topics will be rooted
in relevant contexts, real or imaginary, that stimulate interest and give opportunities for
children to develop technical skills. Throughout their education at Sutton CP, children will
explore structures, mechanisms, electrical systems, textiles and cooking and nutrition. Key
skills and knowledge for DT have been mapped across the school to ensure clear
progression and this will be monitored and evaluated appropriately.
Early Years Foundation Stage.
During the EYFS pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a
combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. They have the opportunities to
learn to:
• Use different media and materials to express their own ideas
• Make plans and construct with a purpose in mind using a variety of resources
• Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques appropriately, effectively and safely
• Explore how to join materials in different ways
• Select appropriate resources for a product and adapt their work where necessary
• Cook and prepare food adhering to good health and hygiene routines
Impact
Children will have clear enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology that they will
then apply to other areas of the curriculum. Through carefully planned and implemented
learning activities, the pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed
to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly
technological world. They will build and apply a toolkit of skills, develop knowledge and
understanding in order to make products for a range of users and test and evaluate them.
Children will learn how to take risks becoming resourceful, innovative and enterprising.
Through evaluation of past and present design technology they will develop a critical
understanding of its impact on daily life.
