Design & Technology

Design and Technology is the process of designing, making and evaluating products fit for a purpose or improving, refining and extending the use of existing products.

 

In accordance with the National Curriculum, pupils will be taught to:
Design
 design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria
 generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology
Make
 select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing]
 select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics
Evaluate
 explore and evaluate a range of existing products
 evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria
Technical knowledge
 build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable
 explore and use mechanisms [for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles], in their products.

In Early Years, Design and Technology comes under the area of Expressive Arts and Design. Children are encouraged to use a variety of resources to explore, make, build and adapt.