Stoneydown Park

Knowledge-Rich, Diversity-Led Curriculum

Design and Technology Curriculum

"Tell me and I forget – show me and I may remember – let me do it, and I learn. Learning through making works!"  Prue Leith, Cook and Bake Off judge

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc.

 

INTENT

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Design and technology encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At Stoneydown, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant real-life problems within a variety of contexts, including environmental, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers.

 

Implementation

 Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. The children work in a range of relevant contexts (for example home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment).

When designing and making, the children are taught to:

Design

  • use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

  • generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design

Make

  • select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing) accurately

  • select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

Evaluate

investigate and analyse a range of existing products

evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world

Technical knowledge

  • apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures

  • understand and use mechanical systems in their products

  • understand and use electrical systems in their products

  • apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products

 

Key skills and key knowledge for design and technology have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups. The context for the children’s work in design and technology is also well considered and children learn about real life structures and the purpose of specific examples, as well as developing their skills throughout the programme of study. 

 

Impact

 We ensure the children:

  • 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 and 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. Children will design and make a range of products. A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child. All sessions will have a focus on healthy eating including promotion of balanced diets, snacking and physical activity

Children 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.

 

Enrichment

We maximise children’s design and technology learning by providing them with a range of rich and memorable experiences. Reflecting a thematic approach, we offer our pupils an extensive range of planned opportunities, for example, learning from expert designers or technicians and participating in bespoke workshops. Working collaboratively with the local community, pupils gain an insight into joint ventures, working within industry and the local environment. 

 

Click here to see the National Curriculum Design and Technology Programmes of Study: Key Stages 1 and 2.