Design Technology

Intent

To inspire the design, construction and evaluation of models by exploring the designed and made world in which we all live and work.

The Importance of DT

Design and Technology gives children the opportunity to develop skill, knowledge and understanding of designing and making functional products. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Ultimately, children learn how to take risks, become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens, whilst utilising a range of communicative skills to express and present their designs.

Aims

The National Curriculum Aims to:

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.
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.

Grove Vale Primary aims to give children the opportunity to:

design products and systems
construct 3D work using a variety of tools
explore food technology with a link to healthy eating
appreciate the need to use tools correctly and safely
evaluate their design and finished product
modify their design when necessary
develop and use DT vocabulary

Implementing

Here at Grove Vale, we follow the Programmes of Study for DT as outlined in the National Curriculum for Key Stage One and Two. Teachers follow the 'Plan Bee' scheme, a progressive programme of study which covers all aspects of the DT national curriculum, as well as including their own adaptations and additions based on the specific needs and knowledge of our children. Children are given the chance to explore different aspects of design and technology from EYFS to Key Stage 2, embarking on various projects through their school life. As well as the structure of Design, Make, Evaluate within DT teaching at Grove Vale, children also develop their technical knowledge and look at different designers and existing products to develop their ideas. The curriculum coverage is mapped out on our progression of skills document and one DT topic is taught per term in every year group. We take a whole school approach to our DT Curriculum, so children's skills are revisited and developed progressively from EYFS to year 6.

The areas of DT our curriculum covers are: