DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
INTENT
At Elm Wood, we aim to provide all children with a broad and balanced curriculum which prepares them for life beyond primary education. Design Technology is a subject that develops children’s problem-solving abilities; we encourage children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. We aim to, where possible, link projects to other subjects such as mathematics, science, engineering and art, inspiring our children to become innovators and risk takers.
IMPLEMENTATION
Pupils will be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to be able to design and make products and prototypes through a range of creative and practical activities. The activities will be linked to real-life contexts including the home, leisure culture and enterprise to give meaning to learning. Our teaching of design technology will follow the design, make and evaluate cycle and will ensure that skills and knowledge are built on year by year. Throughout Key Stages 1 and 2, children build up their knowledge and understanding of the iterative design process and are taught to work safely and hygienically. DT will be taught on a half termly basis.
The key skills we teach the children are:
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Sewing and textiles
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Cooking and nutrition
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Electrical and mechanical components
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Using materials
KS1
Children will be taught to design purposeful and functional for themselves and other users. For example, in year 2 children are asked to design a computer or phone that has been adapted for an elderly person to use. Designs will be developed through whole class and group discussions as well as through drawing.
Children will be taught to select from a range of tools and materials including textiles and construction materials. They will be encouraged to think about ways in which they can cut shape and join their materials to carry out their design.
Once the children have made their design, they will evaluate their ideas and products against their design, developing their critical skills. Children will also have the opportunity to explore existing products and evaluate the effectiveness of different designs.
KS2
Children will build upon the knowledge they have gained in KS1 but will also draw upon their own research to inform their own design. They will be encouraged to design innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups.
Children will have a wider range of materials to choose from and will be encouraged to think about their aesthetic qualities as well as functional.
Once the children have completed a project they will be asked to evaluate their own work and consider the views of others to help them improve their designs. They will learn how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world.
IMPACT
By the time children leave Elm Wood they will have developed an excellent attitude to learning and working both independently and as a part of a team. The children will have the ability to carry out research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an understanding of the user’s needs. They will build up a knowledge of how to work with different materials and understand the processes involved in making. During their time at Elm Wood children will develop the skills needed to become independent critical thinkers.
