Design & Technology

Design Technology

Technology is the process of designing, making and evaluation products fit for a purpose or improving, refining and extending the use of existing products. It involves the creative application of the principles of science to solve practical problems. Design and Technology is a subject where children’s capability in designing and making is developed through combining their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding. At St Gerard’s Catholic Primary & Nusery we view Design and Technology as a subject which allows children to apply their knowledge and understanding in a creative way to design and make products.

The aims of design & technology are:

• • 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.

Intent

At St Gerard's, our Design & Technology curriculum inspires pupils to be creative, practical and resourceful learners who enjoy solving real-life problems. We aim to equip children with the skills, knowledge and understanding to design, make and evaluate products that have a purpose and an intended user. Through DT, pupils develop resilience, critical thinking and independence, while learning to take risks, innovate and reflect on their own work and the work of others. Our curriculum encourages pupils to understand how design and technology impacts the world around them and prepares them for future learning and life beyond primary school.

Implementation

Design & Technology is taught through carefully planned units that follow the National Curriculum and build progressively from Early Years to Year 6. Pupils engage in the full design process: investigating, designing, making and evaluating.

• Lessons are practical and hands-on, allowing children to work with a range of tools, materials and components safely and confidently.

• Key skills and technical knowledge (such as mechanisms, structures, textiles, food technology and electrical systems) are revisited and developed across year groups.

• Vocabulary is explicitly taught and reinforced to enable pupils to articulate their ideas and evaluate effectively.

• Cross-curricular links are made where appropriate, particularly with science, mathematics and computing.

• Pupils learn about designers, engineers and inventors and understand the role of design and technology in everyday life.

• Teachers use assessment to inform planning and ensure that lessons are inclusive and appropriately challenging for all learners.

Impact

As a result of our Design & Technology curriculum, pupils leave primary school with the confidence and competence to take part in an iterative design process. They are able to:

• Design purposeful products that meet given criteria

• Use tools and materials safely and effectively

• Evaluate their work and suggest improvements

• Apply technical knowledge and skills with increasing independence

• Work collaboratively and persevere when faced with challenges

Pupils develop a strong understanding of how design and technology shapes the world around them and are well prepared for further learning in secondary education. Their enthusiasm, creativity and pride in their work are evident through high-quality outcomes and positive attitudes to learning.

Our Design & Technology Leader is: Miss Wells

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