Design Technology

Our subject leader for Design and Technology is Mrs Nicola Moorhouse

At Thornton-in Craven Primary School, we value Design and technology as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum we are committed to providing all children with learning opportunities to engage in design technology. We aim to provide a learning environment where children feel secure and creative risk-taking and problem solving is encouraged and the children’s design ideas and suggestions are valued.

Intent

Children are taught to combine their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make a product, 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, considering their own and others’ needs. Skills are taught progressively to ensure that all children can learn and practice in order to develop as they move through the school. Evaluation is an integral part of the design process and allows children to adapt and improve their product, this is a key skill which they need throughout their life.

Implementation

DT will be taught to a high standard, where each of the stages should be given equal importance. The key skills we teach the children are:

Sewing and textiles

Cooking and nutrition

Electrical and mechanical components

Using materials

Children are taught in whole class groups followed by group and individual work. In group and individual work, pupils have the opportunity to investigate, explore and develop ideas and techniques. New techniques and skills are modelled, and examples of work are shown to the children.  Children are given the opportunity to evaluate their designs and creations, celebrating success and identifying areas for improvement. 

Impact

Through the explicit teaching of the design and technology skills, both the teachers and the pupils assess their learning continuously throughout the lesson. Children will design and make a range of products and understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child

A significant part of assessment in Design and Technology will also be through joint discussion between the teacher and individual pupils as each project progresses, allowing pupils to self-evaluate their own designs and products and enabling them to use subject-specific vocabulary confidently.