Design and Technology

Intent

Design and Technology prepares children to deal with tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. It encourages children to become independent, creative problem solvers and thinkers as individuals and part of a team. It enables them to identify needs and opportunities and to respond to them by developing a range of ideas and by making products and systems. Through the study of Design and Technology, children combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as functions and industry. This allows them to reflect on and evaluate past and present technology, it's uses and impacts. 

It is the intent of Corfe Castle for Design Technology to be taught in all classes through at least one age appropriate topic per term (Autumn, Spring, Summer);this includes one topic relating to food each year. 

Implementation

Design Technology projects are cross curricular, linking to other subjects taught and allowing children to easily make connections to their prior learning in other subjects. Teachers use Projects on a page to ensure all aspects of DT are covered according to the children’s prior learning and their age.

· Key learning in D&T – Teachers identify what children should have previously learnt, then plan according to key learning within designing, making, evaluating and technical knowledge and understanding, including what is covered in the programmes of study. Teachers identify where prior learning has been missed or if more challenge is required to move children’s learning on and adapt planning accordingly.

· Product outcomes are consistent with the key learning for the project key learning and link to their learning in order to hook children’s interests.

· Links are made to other subjects where possible including Maths, English, ICT and Science.

· Key vocabulary including technical vocabulary is identified and explicitly taught.

· Children use a range of methods to communicate their DT learning and present in a variety of ways including diagrams, ICT, sketches and flowcharts. 

· Children develop a respect for the materials and equipment they use in regard to their own, and other children’s safety.