Design and Technology

What is our Intent statement?

At Hadlow Primary school we intend for children to engage with a variety of unique experiences, which develop their mathematical and design abilities through creating functioning designs. We indent for children to see a connection between the other areas of learning and apply it through design and technology to bring their designs to life.

"Design and Technology is really fun. It helps me learn a skill I can use in everyday life. I love problem solving." - Joe Worsell, Year 6

How is DT implemented at Hadlow?

Design and technology, is taught 3 terms a year. It is taught sequentially to develop and build upon skills, enabling children to feel confident to try new things and explore their creativity. Children enjoy practical, mixed media lessons which are done both inside and outside the classroom. Teachers are confident in helping the children to support exploration and feel pride in their work. 

The national curriculum required pupils to:

Children learn art and design throughout their whole primary school education. We support children to explore and enjoy creativity in key stage 1 by:

Reception:

Use a variety of materials to create simple models and structures, such as towers, bridges, and vehicles.

Use simple tools, such as scissors and glue, to join materials together.

Explore the properties of materials, such as texture, colour, and shape.

Year 1:

Develop skills in cutting, joining, and shaping materials, such as paper, card, and fabric.

Explore the purpose and function of simple products, such as toys and packaging.

Begin to understand the importance of health and safety when using tools and equipment.

Year 2:

Use a wider range of tools and equipment, such as saws and drills, to create more complex structures and mechanisms.

Investigate the properties of materials, such as strength, durability, and flexibility.

Explore the design process, including brainstorming, sketching, and prototyping.

Within Key stage 2 we intend pupils to experience a variety of creative and practical activities. Pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They work in a range of relevant contexts that will link to their personal experiences, but also broaden their experiences with new and exciting Medias. When designing and making in Key stage 2, pupils should be taught to:

Year 3:

Develop knowledge of different mechanisms and their functions, such as levers, pulleys, and gears.

Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create simple 2D designs.

Investigate the impact of design decisions on the environment and society.

Year 4:

Develop skills in using programmable components, such as microcontrollers and sensors, to create interactive products.

Use CAD software to create 3D designs and models.

Investigate the properties and uses of different materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites.

Year 5:

Explore the principles of electrical circuits and their applications in design.

Investigate the properties and uses of smart materials, such as shape-memory alloys and conductive fabrics.

Develop skills in project management, including planning, resourcing, and evaluation.

Year 6:

Use design briefs to develop complex products and systems, such as mechanical toys and electronic games.

Explore the principles of coding and programming to control and automate products.

Investigate the use of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes in design.

Overall, this progression document for design and technology aims to provide a progressive and coherent curriculum for students, where each year group builds upon the knowledge, skills, and understanding gained in previous years.

Cooking is also a great part of the design and technology curriculum. Pupils should be taught to:

Key stage 1

• use the basic principles of a healthy and varied diet to prepare dishes

• Understand where food comes from.

Key stage 2

• Understand and apply the principles of a healthy and varied diet

• Prepare and cook a variety of predominantly savoury dishes using a range of cooking techniques

• Understand seasonality, and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed