Design Technology
Intent
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject, using creativity and imagination. At Radwinter CofE Primary School, we want the children to be focused on designing something for somebody for some purpose. Through our topic-based curriculum we take on the role of designers and technologist, we do not just stop at our curiosity of how things work but instead look at how we can think creatively to problem solve and make products even better. Our topic curriculum supports the children’s understanding of the diversity of the world and exposes our pupils to a wide range of products that can inspire their curiosity and creativity. Through this exposure, children take on the role of developer, evaluator and that of a critique, exploring how products can be developed or adapted for different users as well as creating and testing prototypes to give purpose to projects.
Implementation
To deliver Design and Technology in a way that the children will most benefit and flourish, we implement our teaching and learning using the fundamental principles of Design and Technology. The children will consider:
- User – identify who the product is for and be able to identify with a person or group of people who are going to use this product
- Purpose – being clear about the task or function the product needs to perform
- Functionality – knowing how the product is going to work and what it needs to do to be successful
- Design – giving the children the opportunity to make their own choices, make mistakes and learn to use each step of the process to inform their final design decision
- Innovation – children are encouraged to innovate and try and do things differently
- Authenticity - children will ask how 'believable' or real are their products to themselves and the user?
Key skills and key knowledge for Design and Technology have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups. The context for the children’s work in Design and Technology is also well considered and children learn about real life structures and the purpose of specific examples, as well as developing their skills throughout the programme of study.
The children apply these fundamental Design and Technology principles in their Forest School experiences, using found materials from the forest and choosing from a selection of tools to design, make, evaluate and improve their products. Children work in teams to design and build dens. The children source their own materials, discuss design ideas and working collaboratively to create a structure to suit their own needs.
The children have hands-on experience through our registration of the Dyson engineering box, an inspiring resource that unpacks Dyson technology and harnesses young people’s curiosity about how things work. Using the Dyson foundation resources, the children explore and understand the engineering careers available to them and what these involve.
The children are invited to join the STEAM extra-curricular club and whole school engineering and technology experiences are built into our STEAM topic weeks.
Impact
We ensure the children:
• 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 and 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. Children will design and make a range of products. A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child
Children 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.
If you would like further information on the curriculum we teach, please contact the school directly.