Design and Technology

Design and Technology Lead - Mrs A Veznaver

At Lowerplace, we aim to provide pupils with a real life context for learning to inspire them to be innovative, creative thinkers. Our children will design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. We will ensure all children are taught the knowledge, understanding and technical skills needed to engage in the iterative process of designing and making. By doing so, we are preparing our children to participate confidently and successfully in an increasingly technological world. After the design process, we want our children to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products to allow them to become reflective and resilient learners. We want our children to leave us knowing there should be no limit to what their ambitions and goals are – be it architects, graphic designers, carpenters or chefs!

Our DT curriculum develops the children’s skills and knowledge in the four following areas

· Mechanisms

· Structures

· Textiles

· Food Technology

In EYFS the children will learn to:

• develop their fine motor skills and mark making through a variety of engaging activities, in readiness for the techniques they will be using in KS1.
• experiment with a variety of materials, tools and techniques when creating.
• try out different ways to join two materials together (e.g. gluing and sellotaping).
• talk to an adult about finished products and begin to offer explanations about how to improve it.
• recognise and name a variety of foods and understand the importance of washing hands when handling food.

In KS1 the children will learn to:

• begin to develop their own ideas for a product, through simple labelled drawings
• measure, cut and score with increasing accuracy.
• assemble, join and combine materials in different ways, including temporary (e.g. gluing) and permanent methods (simple sewing techniques).
• build structures with a range of materials, beginning to explore how they can be made stronger and more stable.
• begin to evaluate their products in written form, identifying strengths and possible changes.
• know how to prepare simple dishes safely and hygienically, including techniques such as cutting, peeling and grating.

In KS2 the children will learn to:

• research existing similar products, considering their strengths and weaknesses, and incorporate these into their own designs.
• produce a detailed plan which includes annotated 3D diagrams with labels, detailing their material choices and suitability.
• select the most appropriate tools and materials for a task and work accurately to measure, mark out and cut.
• assemble and join materials accurately in a variety of permanent ways including further sewing techniques (e.g. applique)
• understand how simple mechanisms can be used to create movement and how simple electrical circuits can be used to create functional products.
• carry out testing, evaluate their product against original design specifications, recording their findings with the use of labelled drawings and written explanations.
• know how to source, prepare and cook a variety of dishes safely and hygienically, beginning to understand how to work within a budget.

At Lowerplace, the children study units of work which will focus on one of the key areas mentioned above. Each unit of work is broken down into a number of smaller components. These components follow the DT process of first designing, then making and finally evaluating. Prior to making their actual product, children will have opportunity to practice any technical skills needed. This will ensure the children are able to apply their learning to create products successfully meeting the design specifications.

Lowerplace Design & Technology Annual Curriculum Overview

Lowerplace Design & Technology Progression of Knowledge and Skills