Design Technology
"Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you look deeper, it’s really how it works." Steve Jobs
Subject Overview:
Design and technology 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.
Subject Intent:
Design and technology provides children with the skills necessary for a rapidly changing world with a real life context for learning. It encourages and teaches the children to become problem solvers, by designing and making creative ideas as an individual and as part of a team; this leads to the children looking beyond themselves and to think of the needs and beliefs of others around them. By looking at current and past technology and developments, design and technology inspires children to develop a range of ideas for a variety of products and systems and adapt their own environment as future developers. Through design and technology, the children combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetics whilst counteracting social and environmental issues. We aim to inspire the pupils of Zaytouna Primary by looking at a variety of engineers, designers, chefs and technological advancements that moulded the world they live in and to challenge the current models to shape their own future.
Design and technology will equip the learners at Zaytouna Primary School with the understanding, knowledge and skills set out in the National Curriculum. This will encourage the children to make positive changes to their environment and become independent critical thinkers and creative problem-solvers.
Throughout EYFS the children will engage with a variety of media and openly discuss their ideas. They will explore different materials and their impact on local and global environments. The pupils will develop skills to use different tools, plan and construct different objects and learn how to select appropriate materials.
Within Key Stage 1, the children will build upon taught EYFS skills by looking into further contexts, from school, to the local community and to the wider world. Pupils at Zaytouna Primary will design purposeful and unique ideas for themselves and others, select materials, make planned ideas, and learn to evaluate them against their individual criteria. The children will explore cooking skills, healthy eating and have a good understanding of where food comes from.
Finally in Key Stage 2, the children continue developing their understanding of the world around us. They will design and make innovative and functional products that are aimed at individual people or groups. The children will learn how to discuss ideas and work together to create detailed sketches, patterns and computer-aided designs through collaboration. At Zaytouna Primary, we pride ourselves with our cross-curricular enterprise lessons. The pupils will explore different eras and technological advancements and critic and improve them in planning and practical lessons. This provides excitement and interest within the children to continue to adapt the technology and inventions around them.
