Design and Technology

Subject Leader - Mr Brehaut

Children are taught design and technology in line with the National Curriculum.

Vision

The 2014 National Curriculum identifies Design and Technology as an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. The subject encourages children to become creative problem solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design, make and evaluate products based on a criteria. These products will also solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Pupils acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and the cross-curricular nature of DT means that children draw on skills and knowledge learnt from other subjects such as maths, science, computing and art.

Design and Technology provides all pupils with the opportunity to explore ideas and design, make and evaluate products in the following areas:

Food
Textiles
Construction
Materials

How the subject is covered across school

At Rufford, teachers provide a practical curriculum. Pupils are required to discuss their plans and evaluate their own and other’s work in a constructive way. Children have the opportunity to use a wide range of materials and resources, including ICT and will be supported to use tools and equipment safely and responsibly.

We follow the ‘Design, Make, Evaluate’ approach to the teaching of DT.

Design: Pupils will design a product, based on a criteria that solves a real and relevant problem. These will be planned using the appropriate method for their age. E.g. annotated sketches, drawings, talking, prototypes, computer-aided design.
Make: A selection of materials and tools are available for children appropriate for their age. Teachers teach the safe use of tools and equipment. Children will have contact with a variety of materials and tools including wood, needles, knives etc. Also the ‘make’ stage includes the handling of food where children ensure they are aware of personal hygiene.
Evaluate: Through the evaluation stage, children are encouraged to reflect upon their final products, considering how they could have altered their design or techniques to impact the overall appearance and usability of their product. They may also evaluate work of others in a constructive way.

During the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. They have opportunities to:

Explore the textures, movement, feel and look of different materials
Use different media and materials to express their own ideas
Construct, with a purpose in mind, using a variety of resources
Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques competently and appropriately
Select appropriate resources for a product and adapt their work when necessary