Design and Technology (DT)

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Design and Technology encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team.  It prepares them to deal with tomorrows rapidly changing world.

 

"Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it's really how it works.” Steve Jobs

 

The best way to predict the future is to create it” Abraham Lincoln

 

Intent

At Upper Beeding Primary School, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.  We give children the opportunities to work independently and in groups, listening to others ideas and treating them with respect.  The children are given the scope to develop creativity, flexibility and perseverance.  They will critically evaluate existing products, their own designs and make projects in a positive and constructive manner.  Respect for the environment and for health and safety will be fostered.  Through designing and making their own creations, the children find enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose.

Through our Design and Technology lessons we aim for the children to gain knowledge and understanding of materials and components, controls and structures.  To develop skills, techniques and knowledge of materials and tools through focused practical tasks.  To be able to disable, investigate and evaluate r range of simple products which are found in every day life.  To develop their confidence when formulating their original ideas.

Design and Technology lessons provide opportunities for cross curricular learning including ICT for design, recording and evaluating work. Mathematical skills maybe used for calculating the required dimensions and shape of packaging or products; scientific skills maybe required for testing strengths of different materials; historical knowledge maybe used for accurate designs from the past and artistic skills maybe employed to make the product from the design.

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making.