What Design and Technology looks like at St Laurence
At St Laurence, our Design and Technology curriculum encourages children to become creative, resourceful and thoughtful problem-solvers.
We use Kapow Primary to support the planning and teaching of Design and Technology. Children explore real and relevant problems, investigate existing products and design purposeful solutions for particular users. They are encouraged to take considered risks, test their ideas and learn from the design process.
Through practical projects, children develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to design, make and evaluate products. They also learn about important designers, engineers, inventors and technological developments that have helped to shape the world.
Our curriculum aims
Through our Design and Technology curriculum, children will:
• identify and explore real and relevant problems
• design purposeful products for particular users
• communicate their ideas through drawings, models and prototypes
• select and use tools, materials and equipment safely
• develop practical skills with increasing accuracy and independence
• test, evaluate and improve their designs
• understand how products are made and how they work
• learn about significant designers, inventors and technological developments
• understand the principles of healthy eating and nutrition
.jpg)
How we teach Design and Technology
Design and Technology is usually taught through focused projects or blocks of learning. Each project follows an iterative process in which children design, make, test, evaluate and improve their work.
Children complete at least three in-depth Design and Technology projects each year. Where appropriate, projects are linked meaningfully with other curriculum areas, such as Science, History or Geography. At least one project each year focuses on cooking and nutrition.
Teachers introduce new skills and subject-specific vocabulary through clear explanations and demonstrations. Children revisit and build upon earlier learning so that their knowledge, practical skills and independence develop progressively.
The design process
• Investigate
• Design
• Make
• Evaluate
What children learn
Throughout Key Stage 2, children develop knowledge and skills across the main areas of Design and Technology.
• Structures
• Mechanisms and mechanical systems
• Electrical systems
• Textiles
• Digital design
• Cooking and nutrition
By the end of Year 6
By the end of Key Stage 2, children will be able to:
• research the needs and preferences of intended users
• develop clear and purposeful design criteria
• communicate ideas through drawings, models and prototypes
• select appropriate tools, materials and components
• work safely and accurately with increasing independence
• apply their understanding of structures, mechanisms, electrical systems and textiles
• prepare and cook food safely and hygienically
• test and evaluate products throughout the design process
• use feedback to refine and improve their work
• explain how designers and technological developments have influenced everyday life
Enrichment and wider opportunities
Children are given opportunities to apply their Design and Technology skills through practical projects, collaborative challenges and links with other areas of the curriculum.
Projects encourage children to respond creatively to genuine needs and problems. Completed products and prototypes are shared and celebrated, giving pupils opportunities to explain their decisions and reflect on what they have learnt.
Supporting all learners
Our Design and Technology curriculum is adapted so that every child can participate, make progress and experience success.
Teachers may provide visual instructions, step-by-step modelling, adapted tools, prepared materials, templates and additional time. Tasks can be broken into manageable stages while still allowing children to make meaningful choices and develop their independence.
Careful consideration is given to physical, sensory and dietary needs so that all children can take part safely and successfully.
Personal and spiritual development
Design and Technology encourages children to recognise that they can use their creativity and skills to improve the lives of others.
Children consider the needs of different users, work collaboratively and learn to value different ideas. They also reflect on the impact that products and manufacturing can have on people and the environment.
Through designing, making and improving, pupils develop patience, resilience and the confidence to learn from mistakes and begin again.
Click to view the St. Laurence Art and DT Curriculum Booklet