Design Technology (DT)
Design and Technology prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow’s rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. The subject enables them to become autonomous and creative problem solvers both individually and as members of a team. The subject presents opportunities to combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and manufacturing techniques. Pupils reflect and evaluate present and past design in order to help them become informed consumers and innovators.
Our aims in teaching Design Technology
We aim to give pupils opportunities to:
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develop the knowledge and skills to design and make products of good quality
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to recognise and to demonstrate creativity and innovation
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to convey ideas using ICT, drawings, notes, plans and models
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solve problems and identify needs
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investigate the technological and use their knowledge to discover how things work in their world
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select and use appropriate tools and materials safely
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evaluate their ideas and work at every stage
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evaluate the work of others including those from different cultures and periods of history.
How do pupils learn Design Technology?
Children explore and evaluate existing products, discussing design and materials used. Skills are taught through focused practical tasks and are incorporated into appropriate design-and-make projects.
Through identifying needs and problems, children create their own design opportunities. They also learn that it is possible to bring about purposeful change to the world. Children are encouraged to plan in a variety of ways and to record these plans either on paper or using ICT. We recognise that it is important to evaluate at each step of the process and encourage the children to see that amending a design is something positive which all designers do. We encourage children to be responsible in their designs and their safe use of tools and materials and foster a sense of pride in their finished work through careful display and through sharing their expertise.
Click here for the Design Technology Curriculum Policy - Summer 2009 (PDF) |
