Design and Technology at Meridian Angel Primary School

At Meridian Angel Primary School, we strive to provide our pupils with the opportunity to learn Design and Technology as an inspiring subject which offers our children the opportunity to be innovative and creative thinkers who have an appreciation for their product through the design cycle of research, ideation, creation, and evaluation. We want our pupils to develop their confidence and to take risks, through drafting design concepts, modelling, testing and to be reflective learners who evaluate their work and the work of others. Our aim is to build an awareness of the impact of design and technology in our lives; to understand how the world has changed and that products we use every day have been designed and manufactured to meet their intended purpose.

We aim to, wherever possible, draw upon subject knowledge and skills within other curriculum areas such as mathematics, science, computing, and art.

All teaching of Design and Technology should follow the Research, Design, Make, Evaluate cycle. In keystage 2 the pupils are given the opportunity to do a final make to improve their product using their evaluation. When designing, pupils should be provided with real-life issues and contexts to give a purpose to the process. During the making process, pupils should be able to access and choose from a range of equipment and tools. In the final stage, pupils should be able to evaluate their product using design criteria. Throughout each of these stages, pupils will be exposed to technical language, knowledge, and skills.

The key skills and knowledge for Design and Technology have been mapped across the school to ensure skills progression between year groups. The key skills taught are:

• Food and nutrition

• Textiles and sewing

• Mechanisms

• Structures

• UKS2 Electrical systems.

D&T Intent

Intent – What we are trying to achieve?

Design and Technology is an inspiring subject that offers children the chance to work collaboratively and gain knowledge and skills to research, design, make and evaluate. They will

design a product that has a purpose, which they can relate to everyday life and how it has an impact on theirs or other people’s lives.

Implementation – How do we translate our vision into practice?

The children will have the opportunity to develop their technical skills and understanding of:-

• Safely taking risks and being made aware of dangers.
• To be reflective learners by evaluating theirs and others’ products.
• Problem solving in a variety of contexts.
• Textiles and sewing techniques.
• Structure such as how can you make your structure stronger.
• Mechanisms - Which is the best mechanism to make the “Highwayman” move?
• Food and Nutrition - How to design and make a healthy meal.
• Electrical - To design and make lights to light up a model building?

Design and Technology is usually taught in short blocks during alternative half terms, although class teachers are able to decide how and when they deliver their lessons.

Impact- What is the impact of the curriculum on our pupils?

• The ability to work constructively with others.
• The ability to carry out research, ask questions to improve their understanding and knowledge of technology, as well as use their imagination and creativity to produce their product.
• The ability to manage risks and produce products safely and hygienically.
• The ability to understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to plan and cook a healthy meal.
• To be reflective in order to produce an even better product.

Updated November 2022.