Design Technology

National Curriculum

Purpose of study
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. They
acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics,
science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils 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. High-quality design and technology education makes an
essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Aims
The national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:
? 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.

In Year 1 at St Julie

In Year 1 Design Technology the children are set a design problem to solve.  They are taught different methods and techniques to use to solve it and encouraged to investigate different materials and how to join them together.  The children may work independently and collaboratively.

In the Autumn Term the children are asked to make a piece of playground equipment for a Lego Man.  They investigate different playground equipment before using straws, lolly sticks, string, tape, blue tack in different ways to make and evaluatre their final design.

In Spring Term the children are asked to design a healhty lunchbox snack. During this topic, the children explore and discuss a variety of existing products and ingredients before designing their own salad. Focussing on the claw grip and bridge hold for chopping techniques, and an emphasis on health and safety, the children are able to make their garden salads before evaluating the final product and procedure.

In the Summer Term the chidlren are asked to create a moving picture that could be part of a nursery rhyme book for the Reception children.  They use wheels, levers and sliders to design and produce a picture that has at least one part that can move.

The knowledge organisiers for each topic can be found at the bottom of the page.

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