Design and Technology
Design and Technology at Manuden
At Manuden Primary School, Design and Technology gives pupils opportunities to solve problems creatively and practically.
Our curriculum is designed to help children become confident designers and makers who can investigate products, develop ideas, select appropriate materials and tools, create purposeful outcomes and evaluate how well their designs work.
We want pupils to understand that successful design involves creativity, technical knowledge, careful planning, testing and improvement.
How We Teach Design and Technology
Design and Technology is taught through carefully sequenced projects that develop pupils’ knowledge, practical skills and understanding over time.
Teaching includes opportunities to:
- investigate existing products;
- identify a purpose and intended user;
- generate and communicate design ideas;
- produce plans, sketches, diagrams and prototypes;
- select suitable materials and components;
- use tools and equipment safely;
- make purposeful products;
- test and evaluate finished outcomes; and
- identify improvements.
Teachers model practical techniques explicitly and encourage pupils to make increasingly independent design decisions.
Designing
Children learn to develop ideas with a clear purpose in mind.
As pupils progress through the school, they learn to:
- understand the needs of a user;
- identify design criteria;
- research existing products;
- generate a range of ideas;
- communicate ideas through drawings, models and plans;
- select appropriate materials and components; and
- explain and justify design decisions.
Pupils are encouraged to recognise that designs may change as ideas are tested and improved.
Making
Children develop practical skills through working with a range of tools, materials and components.
They learn to:
- measure and mark accurately;
- cut, shape and join materials;
- assemble components;
- select appropriate tools;
- use equipment safely;
- follow plans; and
- adapt their approach when problems arise.
Expectations for accuracy, independence and finish increase as pupils move through the school.
Evaluating
Evaluation is an important part of the design process.
Children are taught to:
- test their products;
- compare outcomes against design criteria;
- consider how successfully a product meets the needs of its intended user;
- identify strengths and weaknesses;
- suggest improvements; and
- learn from the work of designers and engineers.
We encourage pupils to see evaluation and refinement as a normal part of designing rather than something that happens only at the end.
Technical Knowledge
Through Design and Technology, pupils develop knowledge of how products are constructed and how different mechanisms and systems work.
Depending on the project and age of the pupils, learning may include:
- structures;
- levers and linkages;
- wheels and axles;
- sliders;
- gears;
- pulleys;
- cams;
- electrical systems;
- textiles; and
- mechanisms for creating movement.
Pupils apply this knowledge when designing and making their own products.
Food and Nutrition
Food technology forms an important part of Design and Technology.
Children learn about:
- healthy and balanced diets;
- where food comes from;
- food preparation;
- hygiene and safety;
- selecting and combining ingredients;
- following recipes;
- measuring accurately; and
- evaluating food products.
As pupils progress through the school, they develop increasing confidence and independence in preparing and cooking food.
Design and Technology in Our Mixed-Age Classes
Our mixed-age Design and Technology curriculum is carefully planned to ensure appropriate coverage and progression over time.
Where Years 1 & 2, Years 3 & 4 and Years 5 & 6 are taught together, projects are sequenced so that pupils build on previous skills and knowledge without unnecessary repetition.
Teachers adapt technical challenge, expectations and levels of independence according to pupils’ age, prior experience and individual needs.
Design and Technology in Reception
Design and Technology begins within the Early Years Foundation Stage through opportunities to explore, create, construct and solve practical problems.
Children use a range of materials and tools to build, join, shape and create.
They are encouraged to develop ideas, talk about what they are making and make changes when something does not work as expected.
These experiences provide important foundations for later Design and Technology learning.
Supporting All Learners
We want every pupil to participate successfully in Design and Technology.
Teachers adapt teaching and resources where necessary through approaches such as:
- additional modelling;
- visual instructions;
- adapted tools or materials;
- breaking practical tasks into smaller steps;
- templates or guides;
- repeated opportunities to practise techniques; and
- targeted adult support where appropriate.
Adaptations are designed to remove barriers while maintaining appropriate challenge.
Assessment
Teachers assess Design and Technology through observation, discussion, pupils’ design work and finished products.
Assessment considers pupils’ development in areas such as:
- generating ideas;
- applying technical knowledge;
- practical skills;
- selecting appropriate materials and tools;
- accuracy;
- problem-solving;
- evaluation; and
- increasing independence.
Teachers use assessment to identify next steps and ensure progression over time.
Key Design and Technology Information
- Design and Technology Curriculum Overview
- Design and Technology Progression
- Design and Technology Policy
Find Out More
If you would like further information about Design and Technology at Manuden Primary School, please contact the school office.
Email: office@manuden.essex.sch.uk
Telephone: 01279 813370