Design and Technology

 

Design & Technology Intent Statement:

Our intent is that our teaching of D&T will help pupils gain a coherent knowledge and understanding of how the process of design and technology can build respect, appreciation and pride in the everyday objects around them.  We aim for it to inspire pupils’ curiosity about how things have been designed, developed and are made.  Children will be encouraged to ask perceptive questions, think critically, investigate, solve problems and develop their skills to help them understand the processes which happen when products are developed and made.

Key concepts are introduced in EYFS and get developed and built upon throughout the children’s journey through the school.  Children will be taught key skills in the D&T process such as exploring and understanding how existing products work, designing their own products, making and then evaluating and reflecting on the process.  They will be explicitly taught subject specific vocabulary which will be revisited and built on throughout their time at Ilchester.

With each unit of work, children will learn about how this knowledge is used in industry and find out about a career, allowing children to aspire to and understand the importance of the knowledge they are gaining.

 

Design and Technology Implementation:

At Ilchester, we provide an engaging and practical Design and Technology curriculum that helps children develop creativity, problem-solving skills and confidence. We achieve this by:

• Teaching D&T through a clear, progressive curriculum that builds knowledge and skills over time.
• Ensuring all children have the opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential.
• Making links with our local community through visits, visitors and real-world experiences.
• Encouraging children to explore, investigate and experiment with a range of materials, tools and technologies.
• Celebrating events, festivals and significant occasions through meaningful D&T projects.
• Helping pupils develop skills and knowledge that will support them in everyday life and future learning.
• Inspiring children to think creatively as designers and makers and understand how D&T impacts the world around them.
• Teaching children how to work safely and responsibly when designing and making.

Through Design and Technology, pupils learn to design, create, evaluate and innovate, preparing them for life in an ever-changing world.

 

Design and Technology Impact

By the end of the two-year cycle, pupils will:

• Follow the design, make and evaluate process to create purposeful products.
• Use practical skills to solve real-world problems creatively.
• Select and use a range of tools, materials and equipment safely and effectively.
• Apply and understand key Design and Technology vocabulary.
• Develop cooking skills, preparing healthy dishes while learning about nutrition, food safety and hygiene.

 

Design and Technology: Purpose of Study

Design and Technology encourages children to use creativity, imagination and practical skills to design and make products that solve real-life problems. Through hands-on learning, pupils develop their understanding of design, materials and technology while drawing on knowledge from subjects such as science, mathematics, computing and art.

Children learn to take risks, think creatively and evaluate their ideas, helping them become resourceful, innovative and responsible citizens. By exploring how design and technology shapes the world around them, pupils gain skills that prepare them for the future.