Design and Technology

Develops young children’s skills and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials, including food.

Vision for Design and Technology (Intent)

At Mayfield we believe that Design and Technology is an important area of learning because it helps pupils to develop their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. Children learn how to take risks, become resourceful, innovative and enterprising. These skills are transferable to all other areas of the curriculum.

Design and Technology at Mayfield gives pupils the opportunity to identify needs and to respond to them by developing ideas and making products. Pupils will combine practical skills with an understanding of functions and industry. They are encouraged to reflect on and evaluate the use of technology past and present. This enables them to develop an understanding of the impact of technology on daily life.

Design and Technology Subject Leader- Mrs Collier

Long Term Plan

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Key Vocabulary

Design and Technology Vocabulary

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National Curriculum 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.

How is Design and Technology taught and what does it look like at Mayfield? (Implementation)

Design and Technology at Mayfield is taught through a weekly lesson. Each year group completes 3 units over the academic year. These units are designed and sequenced so that pupils can build on their knowledge and skills throughout the year and as they progress through school. All children complete a unit on cooking and nutrition each year.

By the end of Year 6, children will be able to design, make and evaluate a range of products.

In Key Stage 1, learning is focused on:

Mechanisms
Materials
Construction
Cooking and nutrition

In Key Stage 2, learning is focused on:

Electrical and mechanical components
Stiff and flexible sheet materials
Mouldable materials
Cooking and nutrition

What will my child leave Mayfield knowing, understanding and appreciating in Design and Technology? (Impact)

Our children leave Mayfield with the technical knowledge and ability to work with tools, equipment, materials and components to make quality products. They will be able to design a product with an end user in mind. Children will be able to decide on their design criteria and then use their skills and knowledge to make products that meet them. They will be able to evaluate their product against the design criteria and say how well they have met them.

Children will be skilled in problem-solving and will be able to think creatively. They will have explored a range of materials and components. They will have an understanding of how these can be used to achieve an end goal.

This is demonstrated in knowledge and understanding books and through our broad and balanced DT curriculum and embedded key knowledge and vocabulary.

Children will have visited a variety of places to deepen their understanding and bring DT to life. They will have had visits from adults who work in industry to inspire them and to develop their understanding of the role of technology in the wider world.