Design Technology

Design and Technology

 

Design and technology is an important and practical part of school life which can help children think creatively to solve problems as individuals and as part of a team. The knowledge, skills and understanding on the programmes of study identify the 3 important aspects of design and technology as being:

-       designing and planning

-       working with tools, equipment and materials

-       evaluating products

Design and technology provides opportunities for pupils to develop the key skills of other areas of development

_ Communication - through discussing ideas and designing with their teacher and peers.

_ Application of number - through measuring and assembling materials and evaluating products by collecting and recording data, and presenting findings

_ Information Technology - through preparing, presenting, and reviewing information

_ Working with others - through drawing on other people’s experiences for ideas, discussing their own and other people’s designs, and researching their product

_ Problem solving - through dealing with conflicting requirements when making and project planning, and through considering alternatives in designing when investigating and evaluating products.

During key stage 1 pupils learn how to think imaginatively and talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making. They build on their early childhood experiences of investigating objects around them. They explore how familiar things work and talk about, draw and model their ideas. They learn how to design and make safely and could start to use ICT as part of their designing and making. Some examples of design and technology at key stage 1 at New Siblands School include making puppets, designing playgrounds and eating more fruit and vegetables.

During key stage 2 pupils work on their own and as part of a team on a range of designing and making activities. They think about what products are used for and the needs of the people who use them. They plan what has to be done and identify what works well and what could be improved in their own and other people’s designs. Some examples of design and technology at key stage 2 at New Siblands School include making photo frames, musical instruments and bread and biscuits.

During key stage 3 pupils use a wide range of materials to design and make products with support. They work out their ideas, taking into account how products will be used, who will use them, how much they cost and their appearance. They use computers, as an integral part of designing and making. Some examples of design and technology at key stage 3 at New Siblands School include designing and making textiles, making products with resistant materials and designing and making using food.  

During key stage 4 pupils take part in design and make projects that are linked to their own interests, industrial practice and the community. Projects may involve an enterprise activity, where pupils identify an opportunity, design to meet a need, manufacture products and evaluate the whole design and make process. Pupils use ICT to help with their work.