Design and Technology

Using creativity and imagination, our children design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

We  aim to ensure that all children:

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world

• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users

• critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others

• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

How is Design and Technology taught at Corby Glen?

  In Key Stage our children are taught to:

• design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria

• generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology

• select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing

• select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics

• explore and evaluate a range of existing products

• evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria

• build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable

• explore and use mechanisms for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles], in their products.

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

• understand where food comes from.

In Key Stage 2 our children are taught to:

• use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

• generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design

• select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately

• select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

• investigate and analyse a range of existing products

• evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

• understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world

• apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures

• understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages]

• understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]

• apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.

• 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.

What should my child be achieving in Design and Technology?

In your child's first year in school, they will be working towards the following Early Learning Goals:

Technology: Children recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They select and use technology for particular purposes.

Being Imaginative: Children use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about uses and purposes. They represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through design and technology, art, music, dance, role play and stories

In Years 1- 6 your child will be working towards the following expectations: