Design & Technology

Intent

Design and Technology at Frithwood Primary School prepares children to participate in the development of tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. Using creativity and imagination, pupils will learn to develop, plan and communicate their ideas; turning them into reality through making their products using a variety of tools and equipment. Across the year groups, pupils will design and make products that solve real problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Children develop the skills of adaptability and critical thinking through evaluating and reflecting upon the processes and choices they have made. They learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens Design and Technology helps all children to become astute and informed future consumers and potential innovators.

Implementation

At Frithwood Primary School, we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum. Our whole school D&T map ensures clear progression across all areas of D&T (textiles, structures, mechanisms and cooking). Design and Technology projects and well planned and resourced, providing children with a hands-on and enriching experience. Our projects clearly incorporate the three main stages of the design process: design, make and evaluate. Each stage of the design process is underpinned by the technical knowledge and understanding in relevant contexts.

Children are introduced to designers, inventors and chefs helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement and increase the cultural capital from which they can draw in the future. In cooking and nutrition, pupils learn about where food comes from and the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and how to prepare this; adhering to good health and hygiene routines. A range of skills lessons are taught, ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken and that pupils are equipped with the skills needs to make their products. Teachers are given ownership and flexibility to teach DT in a block to allow the time needed for children to be critical, inventive and reflective on their work.

Impact

Children will have clear enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology that they will then apply to other areas of the curriculum. Through carefully planned and implemented projects, the pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. They gain a firm foundation of knowledge and skills to see them equipped to take on further learning in their future. Pupil’s skills and knowledge are assessed by the class teacher and images and examples of children’s work demonstrate the design and evaluative process. Children will develop a critical understanding of the impact of technology on daily life and the wider world.