Intent

At St John’s, design and technology  aims to be an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Through our Harmony Curriculum,  creativity, imagination and cross curricular links should ensure pupils design, make and evaluate products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.  At St. John’s, we encourage children to learn how to take risks, become resourceful and innovative, which encourage all pupils to:  

• 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

 

Implementation

Design technology  is an integral part of our learning enquiries linked to the Principles of Harmony and is planned in each year group to develop breadth and depth in the progression of design technology skills. Children design products with a purpose in mind and an intended user of the products for example a Roman money container and a sustainable bird feeder.

 

Early Years Foundation Stage

During the EYFS, pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. They have opportunities to learn to:

• Use different media and materials to express their own ideas

• Use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about form, function and purpose

• Make plans and construct with a purpose in mind using a variety of resources

• Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques appropriately, effectively and safely

• Select appropriate resources for a product and adapt their work where necessary

• Cook and prepare food adhering to good health and hygiene routines

 

Key Stage 1

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making. Pupils follow the: Design, Make and Evaluate cycle where they study mechanics, structures, textiles and food technology.

 

Key Stage 2

Within key stage 2 key curriculum, children are taught about events and individuals that have influenced the world of Design Technology.

The use of computer programmes e.g. Flowol and applications are also a key focus to be utilised by children in their design of their products. They will design, make and evaluate within cross curricular topics and use a variety of materials and mechanisms to enable them to explore mechanics, structures, textiles and food technology.  

 

Food Technology 

At St. John’s, children enjoy their cooking with our food technology teacher. They are taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. We enjoy using some of the food that we produce on our school farm, which supports our sustainability principle. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables the children to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life. The lessons the children experience also provide them with important hygiene and safety skills to further prepare them.  

 

Impact

Our Design and Technology Curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression within our harmony learning enquiries. At St John’s, our children are expert designers, constructors and mechanics who enjoy exploring a range of design and make topics. They are able  to consider the moral, social and cultural aspects of their studies in D.T. We also believe that D.T. will equip the children with knowledge and skills to identify the geometric, sustainable structures to enable our world to live in harmony.