Design and Technology

We value and encourage creativity in a wide range of ways. Design and Technology is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum and is found in many forms: clothes, books, home wear, sportswear – products which have been designed to help people with their needs. Design and Technology is part of every child’s immediate life experience. The subject encourages children to become creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. It enables them to identify needs and opportunities and to respond by developing ideas, and eventually making a range of products. Through the study of design and technology, they combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as of the product’s functions. This allows them to reflect on, and evaluate, past and present design and technology. During Design and Technology, all children follow the design, make and evaluate cycle.

In Early Years the children will freely explore different materials and develop their own ideas. They will explore different textures and join different materials using their own ideas. They will return to previous learning, refining and improving their ideas. The Early Years DT curriculum will develop the children’s fine motor skills.

In Key Stage 1 the children will learn to design purposeful, functional and appealing products that are based on design criteria. They will make products by using a wide range of materials and develop the use of tools to cut, shape, join and finish. They will learn to evaluate products and suggest how it could be improved to be stronger, stiffer and more stable.

In Key Stage 2 the children will learn to design purposeful products that are aimed at particular individuals or groups. They will develop their ideas through detailed planning, evaluating product design, observational drawings and making prototypes. They will make products and learn how to use a wide variety of tools, equipment, materials and components. They will learn how to include mechanical, electrical and computer control into products. They will learn to design and cook food.

As a school we work really carefully to get cross curricular links with our DT and the topic within the class, for example EYFS/Year 1 created Victoria’s bathing chairs, Year 2/3 created Viking shields and swords and Year 4/5/6 designed and created their own Tudor outfits.

Progression in D/T will be assessed through work completed in books, displays, written work and photographic evidence.

DT Overview

Design and Technology Progression Document