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 school design technology curriculum 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

Organisation

• Although our design technology curriculum is arranged into different areas of learning there will be no set order in which these need to be completed, and in many cases there will be an overlap, for example a project or task may include structures as well as mechanisms or electrical circuits.
• Although there will be some stand-alone design technology lessons, this subject will be embedded in the wider curriculum as much as possible. Broader topic areas will allow pupils to encounter the skills, concepts and knowledge highlighted in this document. On many occasions the skills and knowledge highlighted in each year group will also be addressed through the Art and Design curriculum.

For further information, including the skills, knowledge and areas of study for KS1 and KS2, please see our school's curriculum overview below: