Design Technology 

PLEASE NOTE: We are currently refreshing our Design Technology Curriculum, through the introduction of a new scheme of work. 

This is being introduced from the second half of the Spring Term, into the Summer Term of 2024.

New topics have been carefully selected to ensure continuity and progression with our existing scheme, and avoid any repetition or omission in the required elements of the curriculum.

The full scheme will be in place from the start of the new academic year 2024-2025, and all plans and supporting information will be updated below, accordingly.

Progression of Skills in Design Technology

National Curriculum Programme of Study - Design Technology

Our Vision Statement - Design Technology

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. 
 
At Our Lady & St Patrick's, children are taught to select and use appropriate tools safely and effectively to make a product. In all areas of Design and Technology the children are encouraged to consider the effectiveness of their designs and requirements of the product. Every child will have the opportunity to learn and extend their understanding, experience and application in the use of technology, including I.C.T, in as wide a variety of situations as possible. 

Aims and Objectives 
 

• to deliver programmes of study for Key Stages 1 and 2 of the National Curriculum in Design and Technology
• to develop imaginative thinking in children and to enable them to talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making
• to enable children to talk about how things work, and to draw and model their ideas
• to encourage children to select appropriate tools and techniques for making a product, whilst following safe procedures
• to explore attitudes towards the made world and how we live and work within it
• to develop an understanding of technological processes, products, and their manufacture, and their contribution to our society
• to foster enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose in designing, creating, inventing and making

The Design Technology Curriculum 

The Design and Technology curriculum contains two strands of subject content:

Design and Making:

Each Design and Technology project should include elements of:

• Designing
• Making
• Evaluating
• Technical knowledge

Cooking and Nutrition:

When designing products, pupils should consider:

• User – pupils should consider who their products are for
• Purpose – pupils should decide which tasks their products will perform
• Functionality – pupils should think about how their products will work
• Design Decisions – pupils should have opportunities to make informed choices
• Innovation – pupils should have scope to be original with their thinking
• Authenticity - pupils should design and make products that are real, believable and can be evaluated through use 

  
Curriculum Coverage 
 

Each class should undertake at least three Design and Technology units per year.

One of these must be a Food project and the other can be selected from:

• Textiles
• Structures
• Mechanisms (KS1)
• Electrical or Mechanical Systems (KS2) 

Design Technology  Projects are included on the yearly plans for each year group, and are linked to class topics where ever possible.
 

Health and Safety 

The general teaching requirement for health and safety applies in this subject.