Boynton Primary School

Design Technology (DT)

For progression in skills and knowledge, please follow the 'progression' tab.

Intent

At Boynton we aim to provide an inspiring, rigorous and practical based curriculum ensuring all pupils have the opportunity to be creative, imaginative designers and make products that solve real life problems both as individuals and as members of a team.  We believe that it is important for them to acquire and build on prior knowledge, drawing on mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Children will also be taught how to cook and apply the principles of healthy eating and to understand the process of where food comes from.  Our children are given the opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk takers.

Implementation

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of design and making within relevant contexts. The knowledge and skills build over time.

When designing, the children are taught to research and develop design criteria that is innovative, functional and fit for purpose and generate annotated sketches, models and prototypes.

When making, children are able to select from and use a wide range of tools, equipment and materials to perform practical tasks (for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing) in areas such as construction, textiles and food technology.

Children are able to develop their technical knowledge such as how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures, how to use mechanical and electrical systems in their products and apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products

Through evaluation, children can investigate and analyse a range of existing products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work, understanding how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world

Key skills and key knowledge for D&T have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups and lessons are taught as a block so that children’s learning is focused throughout each unit of work. Where appropriate, D&T is linked to other areas of learning to give it a purpose and audience. This assists in the evaluation and design, understanding for whom and what the product is intended.

Class 2 have designed and made some lovely frog beanbags. 

Class 3 made some wonderful Mayan inspired bags and tiles using digital art. 

EYFS are always practicing their design and technology through their play. Here a few of the ways they learn including building castles, making harps and making a beanstalk!

Class 1 have made their own smoothies choosing which fruit they would like and then designed the Smoothie carton using their DT skills!