Design and Technology
The school’s intent for Design & Technology is to provide the children with a wide range of transferable skills over a range of technological foci that enable them to plan, design and evaluate products that have been made for a real purpose whilst using and applying technical knowledge. The curriculum covers five areas: mechanisms, structures, food, textiles and electrical systems.
Mechanisms develop into Mechanical systems and will then impact upon the development of an electrical mechanism in the form of fairground rides or controllable vehicles in Y6. Mechanisms are revisited frequently because this links to industry and life skills.
Structures are revisited every two years moving from simple structures made from straws and strengthened by triangles, to the use of nets and then how nets and frames can be developed to make a shelter in Year 5. The development of mechanisms will also impact upon the structures and electrical systems units e.g. mechanisms to open doors in Alarms unit – this is why mechanisms are taught first.
Food is revisited frequently throughout the curriculum because healthy eating and encouraging children to be active and healthy is a priority of the school. We intend that, by teaching about healthy food and preparing simple meals, the children will have a better understanding of healthy lifestyles and apply this knowledge to their home lives.
Textiles develops skills from simple sewing to following a pattern to create a 3D product. These units develop skills for life – they may also be applied in Art.
Electrical systems have clear links with careers in industry and construction as well as developing children’s life skills. There are clear links with the Science curriculum e.g. In Year 4 the DT unit will consolidate the Electricity Science Unit taught in the Autumn Term focussing upon simple circuits. In Year 6 the children will have the opportunity to construct products based upon their previous learning and add speed, sound and light intensity.
