Design & Technology
Design and Technology [D&T] is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.
Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
Design and Technology [D&T] prepares pupils to participate in tomorrow's rapidly changing technologies. They learn to think and intervene creatively to improve quality of life. The subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. They must look for needs, wants and opportunities and respond to them by developing a range of ideas and making products and systems. They combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. As they do so, they reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and effects. Through Design and Technology [D&T], all pupils can become discriminating and informed users of products, and become innovators.
We use a variety of teaching and learning strategies. Our principle aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills, and understanding. Sometimes we do this through whole-class teaching, while at other times we engage and let the children lead an enquiry-based research activity. We encourage the children to ask, as well as answer questions. They have the opportunity to use a variety of data, such as statistics, graphs, pictures, and photographs. We encourage the use of IT in Design and Technology lessons where it enhances their learning. They engage in a wide variety of problem-solving activities. Wherever possible, we involve the pupils in ‘real’ research and investigation activities, for example, researching a local environmental problem or carrying out a practical design from beginning to end.