Intent

Design and Technology at Riverside Primary is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Design and Technology encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. We encourage children to use their 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. Design technology creates cross curricular links to mathematics, science, computing and art. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers.

 

Implementation

 

EYFS

During the EYFS pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. They have the opportunities to learn to:

 

- Use different media and materials to express their own ideas

- Use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about form, function and purpose

- Make plans and construct with a purpose in mind using a variety of resources

- Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques appropriately, effectively and safely

- Select appropriate resources for a product and adapt their work where necessary

- Cook and prepare food adhering to good health and hygiene routines

 

KS1 and KS2
Across Key stages 1 and 2, we plan design and technology lesson so that they build upon prior learning of the children. We give children of all abilities the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding and ensuring progressive challenge, breadth and depth to their design and making. The units are focused on the following areas:

 

- Cooking and nutrition;

- Materials;

- Construction including mechanics

 

Within these areas we consider the six key principles of design and technology:

 

User

Who are they designing for?

 

Purpose

What does their design do, what function does it perform?

 

Functionality

How is their product going to work?

 

Authenticity

How believable or real is it?

 

Design decisions

Making their own decisions

 

Innovative

Encouraging them to try new things and take risks

 

Impact

We ensure the children:

 

- 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 and 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. Children will design and make a range of products. A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child.

Children 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.