Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, children design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. A broad range of subject knowledge is acquired, drawing upon disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art, as children learn how to take risks, whilst becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, children develop a critical understanding of the impact of design 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.

The national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

• 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

Some examples of what children learn...

Nutrition

Gazelle class have been busy in their Autumn 2 term, considering the seasonality of food and where it comes from, alongside why it is important to maintain a varied and balanced diet. They practised their hygiene, cutting and preparation skills to make tasty courgette and butternut squash boats. There was lots of problem solving, working out how to make the boats and tomatoes balance. Many were inspired to take the recipe home to make them for their families, and to take seeds to grow their own squashes ready for next Autumn! We look forward to seeing the local harvest next year. 

Design an Insulated Container, Year 4

Apache Class extended their term theme of, ‘The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe’, by C.S. Lewis, to design and create an insulated container. They researched, tested and evaluated existing insulating products, before designing their own container.

Building Bridges, Year 6

Chinook Class solved an accessibility problem, to build a bridge from one side of a river to another, to join a village’s school and shops to the houses on the opposite bank. Children evaluated existing bridges and design, before working collaboratively to design and build their own bridges, focusing on their teamwork, self-assessment and reflection skills.