Subject Information:

Intent:

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils at St John’s have the opportunity to 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 will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing and art. Pupils will learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they will 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.

Aims and Objectives

At St John’s pupils will;

• 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:

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage with Design and Technology projects. By revisiting and consolidating skills, Design Technology lessons help children build on prior knowledge alongside introducing new skills, knowledge and challenge. The revision and introduction of key vocabulary is built into each lesson.

Teaching and learning includes the following key skills;

• Designing;
• Understanding contexts, users and purposes
• Generating, developing, modelling and communicating ideas
• Making;
• Planning
• Practical skills and techniques
• Evaluating;
• Own ideas and products
• Existing products
• Key events and individuals
• Technical Knowledge;
• Making products work
• Cooking and nutrition
• Where food comes from
• Food preparation, cooking and nutrition
• Curriculum Planning

At St John’s, we aim to teach all aspects of Design Technology including food and nutrition and lessons cover key aspects such as user, purpose, functionality, design decisions, innovation and authenticity . Design Technology lessons are often blocked to ensure in depth coverage. In addition to this, there will be times when Design Technology and Art and Design support other areas of the creative curriculum and where some stand-alone lessons are taught with the purpose of skill building in the form of Focused Tasks (FTs) or Investigative and Evaluative Activities (IEAs).

Continuity and Progression

Progression is in Design Technology is based on the National Curriculum guidance, which is designed to provide pupils with a balanced programme of design and technology activities which clearly builds upon previous work and take account of previous achievement. Progression in Design Technology is measured using the Design and Technology Progression Framework produced by Design and Technology Association National Curriculum Expert Group for D&T; this is fully in line with the National Curriculum.

Early Years and Foundation Stage

As part of the EYFS curriculum, opportunities are provided for children to develop key skills and techniques through ‘Planning in the Moment’. Children experience Design Technology through Focused Tasks (FTs) or Investigative and Evaluative Activities (IEAs) where there is a focus on developing fine motor skills and learning how to plan, design and produce a finished project. Nursery and Reception classes will be, where appropriate, included in whole school projects, workshops and events associated with Design and Technology.

Inclusion, SEND, Equal Opportunities

We enable all children to take part in a wide range Design Technology activities by varying the tasks and resources. No child will be excluded from Design Technology activities. Teaching approaches must provide equality of opportunity by making sure that the work is suitable for boys and girls as well as taking account of specific religious or cultural beliefs and enabling those with disabilities to have full participation.

Health and Safety

The school is responsible for teaching Design Technology in a healthy and safe environment with reference to appropriate risk assessments for activities that are likely to incur possible risk. The teaching staff and Design Technology co-ordinator are responsible for the supervision of activities such as cutting, sawing, gluing, cooking and connecting electrical circuits. All Design Technology equipment is subject to maintenance and safety checks. Any faulty equipment will be reported to the Health and Safety lead (Mr C Howarth).

Impact:

We want to ensure that Design and Technology is loved by teachers and pupils across school, therefore encouraging them to want to continue building on this wealth of skills and understanding, now and in the future. Impact can also be measured through key questioning skills built into lessons, the use of technical vocabulary and summative assessments aimed at targeting next steps in learning.

What do Design and Technology lessons look like in school?

At St John’s Design Technology lessons provide opportunities for children in all year groups to engage in activities such as; 

• Exploring, investigating and evaluating existing products 
• Focused tasks in which children develop and practise particular aspects of knowledge and skills 
• Designing and making activities in which children design and make 'something' for 'somebody' for 'some purpose' 

Design and Technology at Home

Here are some Design Technology Ideas that you can try at home:

• Upcycle or repurpose some of your old clothes
• Create an interactive game using packaging such as cereal boxes or cardboard tubes
• Plan a three-course meal for the family; prepare, serve and enjoy it!

Click the following link for some more ideas:

https://www.theschoolrun.com/5-home-design-and-technology-projects-primary-children

Additional Information

We are very proud to be members of the Design and Technology Association (DATA) here at St. John’s.