Intent
Design and Technology encourages children to become independent, creative problem solvers as individuals and part of a team.
It supports them to identify needs and opportunities and to respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making a product. The study of Design and Technology, combines practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics. This gives the children a chance to reflect and evaluate their own work.
Implementation
At Consett Infant School Design Technology is taught as a discrete subject but projects are linked to each specific topic of the term although projects in Design Technology are often made cross curricular – linking to other subjects.
Using a variety of creative and practical activities, the children acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to participate in the process of designing and making a finished product.
When designing and making, the children are taught to:
- Design and communicate their ideas through discussion and annotated drawings.
- Selecting and using the correct tools and equipment to perform practical tasks, for example, cutting, shaping and joining, accurately.
- Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.
- Apply their understanding of how to strengthen and reinforce their structures/models
Key skills and key knowledge for DT have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups. This also ensures that there is a context for the children’s work. Design and technology lessons are also taught as a block so that children’s learning is focused throughout each unit of work.
Impact
Design Technology is monitored by the subject leader throughout the year by evidence in the classroom of DT, monitoring assessment sheets and discussions with children to discuss their learning and understanding.
Children will design and make products appropriate to the topic. A good product will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child.
The children will learn
- How to be resilient by listening to constructive criticism by their peers
- Learn to fix their mistakes by evaluating their product and finding a solution
- Learn how to take risks and become resourceful
“Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you look deeper, it’s really how it works.”
Steve Jobs
Please see attached the Progression Maps for Design and Technology.
