Design Technology
Intent
At Brading CE Primary School, we encourage our children to use their creativity and imagination through designing and making products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. This is taught through cross-curriculum links and enables children to draw from a broad range of subject knowledge and skills such as mathematics, science, computing and art.
Implementation
At Brading, we follow the ‘Design, Make, Evaluate’ approach to the teaching of DT, as outlined in the National Curriculum Programme of Study.
• Children are encouraged to be inquisitive about the way products work.
• Children ask and answer questions in order to deepen their understanding of products and product design.
• Children use market research to inform their designs and, as they move up through the school, are encouraged to draw detailed designs and make prototypes in order to refine their ideas before creating their final piece.
• Teachers guide children through the technical skills they will require, modelling good practice and highlighting safety
considerations with the children.
• In the evaluation stage, children reflect upon their final products, considering how they could have altered their design or techniques to impact the overall appearance and usability of their product.
Collaborative work in Design and Technology develops mutual respect for the differing opinions, beliefs and abilities of others. In addition, children develop a respect for the environment, for their own health and safety and that of others. They learn to appreciate the value of similarities and differences and learn to show tolerance. A variety of experiences teaches them to appreciate that all people – and their views – are equally important. Children are encouraged to work in a democratic way, exercising the ‘give and take’ required for successful teamwork.
Impact
• Children develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
• Children will 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.
• Children will critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
• Children will understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.