Design and Technology Curriculum

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils 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 acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils 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.

Aims

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.

EYFS - Design and Technology

Expressive arts and design educational programme (taken from the EYFS Framework 2020)

The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. The frequency, repetition and depth of their experiences are fundamental to their progress in interpreting and appreciating what they hear, respond to and observe.

In Chopwell Primary School Foundation Stage the children:-

• Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.
• Share their creations, explaining the process they have used.
• Make use of props and materials when role playing characters in narratives and stories.
• Use a range of small tools, including scissors, paintbrushes and cutlery.
• Have daily opportunities to make their own creations using a wide range of different materials, fixings and tools which are freely available in continuous provision.
• Are taught how to use tools such as scissors, hole punch, string, sellotape, cutters etc.
• Are encouraged to talk about what they would like to make, how they will do it and what they think about it when it is finished.
• Are encouraged to evaluate what they have made and make changes as appropriate.

Autumn 2

In our design and technology lessons, year 6 pupils have been creating moving toys using cams. We researched moving toys, made an initial design, created moving toys independently and evaluated our finished products.

Autumn 1 - Year Three & Four

This term, in year three and four, the children have had the opportunity to design and make an 'Artbot'. This involved the children constructing an electrical circuit which would allow a pen to move across a surface. The circuit then needed to be encased in a suitable 3D design. 

Autumn 1 - Year One & Two

The children enjoyed designing and making a strong, stable structure that would allow an egg to travel from a height safely.