We aim to make Design and Technology an inspiring, creative  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 All Saints, 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 aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing and art. The 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.

The Design Technology teaching throughout All Saints Primary School follows the National

Curriculum design, make and evaluate cycle. Through this, children acquire a broad range of

technical knowledge and vocabulary whilst also drawing on disciplines such as Mathematics,

Science, Computing and Art.

Design

Rooted in real-life, relevant contexts, children design products with a purpose and an

intended user of the products in mind. Children use research and develop design criteria to

inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing and fit-for-purpose products. Planning

is through appropriate formats i.e. annotated sketches, patterns/templates,

communicating ideas verbally and prototypes/’mock-ups’.

Make

Whilst making, children will be given a wide range of tools, materials and components

including textiles, construction equipment and ingredients. They build and apply a repertoire

of knowledge, understanding and skills (i.e. cutting, shaping, joining and finishing) in order to

make high-quality prototypes and products for a range of users.

Evaluate

Children at All Saints learn to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products as well as

the work of others. They investigate and analyse a range of existing products to understand

how individuals and key events have shaped design and technology globally. In addition, they learn to evaluate their work against their own design criteria and consider the views of

others in order to improve their work.

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the content, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study. Teachers make assessments against the skills progression accordingly – and keep track of any children who are not meeting these skills. Assessment of Design and Technology is reported to parents annually.