Design and Technology

Intent

Design and Technology at St Mark’s CE Primary School is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. We aim to provide opportunities for the children to use creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, within a variety of contexts; considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. The children 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, children develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. At St Mark’s, we understand that high-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation. We strive for our children to have a passion for this subject and aim to inspire them to be the designers and makers of our future. Children should leave our school with: the willingness to take creative risks in order to produce innovative ideas and prototypes; a thorough knowledge of which tools and equipment to use to make their products; the ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop a detailed knowledge of users’ needs and the ability to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products, and the work of others.
 

Implementation 

The St Mark’s curriculum for Design and Technology ensures that all pupils:

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently
• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes
• critique, evaluate and test their ideas and
• apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. 

Pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They work in a range of relevant contexts, for example: the home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community, industry and the wider environment. 

At St Mark’s, the design and technology curriculum consists of National Curriculum objectives, which are taught through our integrated curriculum. Units of Design and Technology are covered throughout the EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, these include: food technology, textiles, structures, electrical systems and mechanisms. Units are covered through our two year rolling curriculum. This allows planning to revisit prior learning; ensuring the children can remember and retrieve what has previously been taught. Teachers provide a practical curriculum; each design and Technology unit has a modern purpose and user, which ensures children are taking part in meaningful activities. Children are given the opportunity to investigate and explore different materials, mechanisms, and structures, plan their own ideas, and evaluate their own and other’s work in a constructive way.  Within lessons, the children are given the opportunity to work individually, in pairs and in group situations. Children have the opportunity to use a wide range of materials and resources, including ICT and are supported to use tools and equipment safely and responsibly.

Pupils are taught:

• To investigate and explore existing products and materials, in order to inform their design.
• To master practical skills – developing the skills needed to make high quality products.
• To design, make, evaluate and improve – developing the process of design thinking and seeing design as a process.
• To take inspiration from design and technology throughout history – appreciating the design process and technological advances that have influenced the products we use in everyday life.

At St Mark’s, a selection of materials and tools are available for the children to use, enabling them to access the subject and make informed choices.  It is imperative that all children are able to access these resources. Teachers teach the safe use of tools and equipment; insisting on good practice prior to starting the making part of a task. These include:

• The use of electrical equipment such as glue guns – children should wear suitable eye protection and use glue guns, with the 1:1 supervision of an adult.
• Contact with sharp objects, including: wood, nails, needles, saws, knives etc.  
• The handling of ingredients – children need to ensure they are aware of personal hygiene rules, such as: wearing a clean apron, washing hands before handling food and storing perishable foods appropriately.
• The use of cooking appliances, including ovens and hobs in our kitchen area.
   

We view Design and Technology as a fully inclusive subject, where every child is capable of achieving. In order to support children with SEND, teachers have access to a clear progression of skills so that lessons can be adapted for children working below age related expectations. Children have the opportunity to experiment with and investigate different materials and equipment prior to designing their final product. Differentiated resources ensure that children with additional needs can produce a final outcome similar to their peers, whilst reaching it in a different way.