Intent

The ability to creatively solve practical problems is a fundamental human skill.  Through our Design Technology curriculum, we offer children the opportunity to build their knowledge and skills in a coherent way through a broad range of practical experiences. This lays the foundations for a broad and rich lifetime of practical problem solving both in the workplace and in their homes and families.

This iterative process encourages children to identify real and relevant problems, critically evaluate existing products and then take risks and innovate when designing and creating solutions to the problems. As part of the iterative process, time is built in to reflect, evaluate and improve on prototypes using design criteria throughout to support this process. Opportunities are provided for children to evaluate key events and individuals who have helped shape the world, showing the real impact of design and technology on the wider environment and helping to inspire children to become the next generation of innovators. Through the units, we intend to inspire pupils and practitioners to develop a love of Design Technology and see how it has helped shaped the ever-evolving technological world they live in.

Implementation

Design and Technology skills and understanding are built into units, following an iterative process. However, the structure allows for the revision of ideas to become part of good practice and ultimately helps to build a depth to children's understanding. Through revisiting and consolidating skills, plans and resources in the Twinkle Plan-It materials help teachers to help children build on prior knowledge alongside introducing new skills, knowledge and challenge. The revision and introduction of key vocabulary is built into each unit.

In each unit, children work through a sequence involving designing, making and evaluating.  Their knowledge of technical processes, materials, health and safety and nutrition builds and feeds into their work.

Work is timetabled flexibly and is often blocked to allow for children to deepen their exploration of materials and concepts over a whole day.

Impact

The impact of using the full range of resources, including display materials, will be seen across the school in the profile of Design and Technology. The learning environment across the school consistent with the design and technology technical vocabulary displayed, spoken and used by all learners. Impact can also be measured through key questioning skills built into lessons, child-led assessment, and summative assessments reported to parents each year.