The Importance of Design Technology
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.
(The National Curriculum 2014)
We believe it is vital that every pupil at Saint Thomas More is given robust opportunities to develop the strengths and techniques which will allow them to reach their fullest potential. Within the Design and Technology curriculum we must equip our children with the opportunities to develop lifelong skills whilst also developing a sense of awe and wonder when recognising how they themselves can be part of a design and evaluation process.
We want our children to confidently develop solutions to real life situations whilst having great fun as part of the process.
Design and Technology is a way of learning, which spans and links the whole curriculum. In primary school it is rooted within imaginative play, Art, Computing, Science and Mathematics. We want all children at Saint Thomas More to think innovatively, to question and explore the practical world around them and to develop a positive, growth mind-set approach to their learning.
Children should be excited and engaged with the activities and opportunities on offer. we strive to develop a curriculum which develops the whole child.
Our Aims
- learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems, both as individuals and as part of a team.
- 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 products.
- select appropriate tools and techniques with increasing accuracy for making a product, whilst following safe procedures.
- critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
- reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and its impact.
- use computing to assist designing and making.
- apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.
Some of our Design and Technology Projects
Year 6 designed electronic greeting cards
Year 5 explored mechanisms for pop up books and made their own class Storybook
Year 4 using their electrical circuit knowledge to design and make torches
Designing and making hand puppets
Year 3 Designing and Making Money Containers
Key Stage 1 making delicious Pitta Pizzas
Chopping, slicing, grating, and spreading.
Key Stage 1 sliding mechanisms.
They made their characters move and jump!
Key Stage 1 felt tree Christmas decorations.
Reception and Nursery designed their own ice creams to help them cool off in the hot weather.
Making Gingerbread Men in Early Years.
We kept a close eye on them to make sure they did not run away!
Nursery have had lots of fun designing and creating.
They have explored different materials and simple joining techniques.
Designing carriages for Cinderella
Using scissors to make Chinese New Year lanterns.
Further Support and Useful websites
Key Stage 1
BBC Bitesize (KS1) https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks1-design-and-technology/zfycmfr
Key Stage 2
BBC Bitesize (KS2) https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks2-design-and-technology/zvb8hbk