Design  Technology Curriculum – Statement of Intent

It is our intent that the Design Technology curriculum at St Richard’s enables children to appreciate that all useful objects have been designed and created. We hope that Design Technology opens the eyes of children to possible career choices that they potentially had not considered within the many realms of design and manufacturing.

In Key Stage 1, children begin to understand the process by which things are designed. Children will have a go at designing simple products to satisfy a basic brief. They will think about what ingredients or objects they might need. Using their design, children will make their product and then evaluate it based on its suitability.

In Key Stage 2, children will begin to produce products based on more complicated briefs. They will evaluate their final products against a range of different criteria such as suitability and appearance. They will also have a go at evaluating real life products too.

Purpose of study

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. 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. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Aims

The national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

•  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.

Design and Technology lessons at St Richard's

Children have many opportunities at St Richard's to design and make a wide variety of products. Children are encouraged to work independently and in groups to create a wide variety of products that allow them to develop skills in food technology, textiles, structures and moving mechanisms.