Intent

Here at Wellesbourne our aim is to enable children to record from first-hand experience and from imagination and to select their own ideas and designs to use in their work. We want to develop creativity and imagination through a range of simple and more complex activities. We aim to improve the children’s ability to control materials, tools and techniques and to develop increasing confidence in the use of visual and tactile elements and materials. We will understand how nutrition is important in a healthy, balanced lifestyle. We will enable children to become more confident in using cooking skills and develop an enjoyment in the life skill of cooking.

Implementation

EYFS

Design and technology is one of seven inter-connected areas of learning and development, Expressive arts and design. The majority of children’s learning is implemented through child initiated activity. Indoor and outdoor design and technology areas are organised to encourage independence and creativity. Enhancements are regularly placed in the art areas to provide inspiration or to target a specific skill or technique. The children also participate in small group and one-to one adult directed activity.

Key Stage 1 and 2

Class teachers should plan their Design and Technology lessons to ensure coverage of their year group specific skills from the Progression in Skills document. The medium term plans for art should follow a sequence and not just be stand-alone lessons. The sequence of lessons should look as follows:

1. Research: look into works of a particular artists, designers or engineers

2. Practise: children are able to have a go at the skills they are covering in their sketch books/art books. In Key Stage One these will be in floorbooks.

3. Plan: children to plan out and sketch/design what they will produce for their final piece drawing upon the skills practised in previous lessons.

4. Make/Create: children will create their design.

5. Evaluate/Reflect: children to look back at their work and comment on what went well, what they could improve. Use this as a chance to revise the technical vocabulary and technical knowledge.

Design and Technology is taught in half termly, alternating with with Art and Design. Each year group from Year 1 to Year 6 will teach three units throughout the year, each with a core focus; cookery, textiles and structures and mechanisms.

Impact

Within design and technology, we strive to prepare children to take part in the development of tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. We aim to encourage children to become creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. Through the study of design and technology, children combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as of functions and industrial practices. This allows them to reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and its impact. Our design and technology curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. We focus on progression of knowledge and skills and discreet vocabulary progression also form part of the units of work.

Teachers gather evidence about pupil’s knowledge and understanding of Design Technology by observing them at work, listening to and discussing with them, and evaluating any work they produce. 

 

 

For more information on our Design and Technology Curriculum and to see our progression of skills in Design and Technology please click on the links below.

Progression of Skills in Design and Technology (document opens in new window)

Design Technology Curriculum (document opens in new window)

Click here to return to the curriculum page