Design Technology

Design and technology key stages 1 and 2

National curriculum in England

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.

At Britannia we follow the KAPOW units of work to support the teaching of Design Technology. We teach all our design and technology lessons in block units to allow the children to become fully immersed in their learning and the units they are studying. Please see below for our policy and curriculum overview which contains all key learning, vocabualry and progression across school. 

In DT lessons, the children get the opportunity to explore, plan create and evaluate a range of products. The children really enjoy DT lessons at Britannia and have the opportunity to make a range of things from bolognaise to castles! It is important that we look at existing products before creating our own and it is during this stage we learn about existing designers and their work.

See below for some pictures of our Design Technology curriculum in action. 

Year 1 have been very busy making their mechansims in preparation for their unit on moving pictures. 

Year 5 have really enjoyed their textiles unit on making a teddy. They have worked so hard to develop their sewing skills. They have explored using a running stitch and a blanket stitch. Their creations are absolutely fantastic. 

Year 6 have started their learning on automata toys. First they have been busy investigating what they are and looking at existing products. Next they have been developing cutting/sawing skills to accurately cut measured pieces of wood. 

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