Design and Technology

Subject Champion - Leonora Oakley

Intent

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject that encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems, both as individuals and as members of a team.
At Millfield Primary School, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. We also aim to make links to designs and designers throughout history, providing opportunities for children to critically reflect upon and evaluate their designs.
We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. This gives the learning purpose and relevance to the children.

Implementation

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an interactive process of designing and making. When designing and making, the school uses a standardised planning format to ensure the pupils are familiar with the design cycle:
Design – use research and develop design criteria to design for a purpose and communicate their ideas through a range of mediums.
Make – use a wider range of tools and equipment with accuracy and use a wider range of materials and components according to their qualities
Evaluate – evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work
Through this process, the aim is to develop the pupils’ technical knowledge and vocabulary in relation to structural design, mechanical and electrical systems, the integration of technology and food production and nutrition. In addition, the school aims for these tasks to be completed collaboratively and therefore promotes the value of effective teamwork.

Impact

We use a range of Key Performance Indicators and quizzes to ensure pupils develop the following:
∙ Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently.
∙ 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 and 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. Children will design and make a range of products.
∙ Develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.