What does Design and Technology at Frogwell offer our children?

We believe 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. At Frogwell, 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. Our aspirational curriculum aims to link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Children are also given 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.

What are the main aims of our Design and Technology curriculum?

The National Curriculum main aims in Design and Technology are:

• 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 prototypes and products for a wide range of users identified in the design brief and critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others 
• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. Children will design and make a range of products. A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child.

At Frogwell Primary School, we ensure children 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.

How is the teaching of Design and Technology organised?

In EYFS, Design and Technology is not taught as a discrete subject. Children will have opportunities to explore and experiment making different products, using a range of materials. Cookery is a key part of the curriculum and children have regular opportunities to develop the necessary fine motor skills. They will develop understanding and knowledge in the areas of ‘Understanding of the World; People and Communities, the World and Technology’ in preparation for the Year 1 curriculum. 

In Years 1-6, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. Through a variety of creative and practical activities, the children design and create products that consider function and purpose and which are relevant to a range of sectors (for example, the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment). 
Our Design and Technology learning units follow the following structure: background research, plan, design, make and evaluate. Each year group has a planned food project that allows for basic skills to be sequentially developed. 

Key skills and knowledge for Design and Technology have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups. The context for the children’s work in Design and Technology is also well considered and children learn about real life structures and the purpose of specific examples, as well as developing their skills throughout the programme of study.

In the Complex Needs Resource Base, Design Technology is taught through a topic-based approach, and attainment is measured in small steps.