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Learning

Design & Technology

Intent

Queen’s Manor children design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. It is very cross - curricular and draws upon subject knowledge and skills within Mathematics, Science, History, Computing and Art.

In Design and Technology, our children are encouraged to develop an awareness of their environment, the world around them and how technology can be used to solve problems. Queen’s Manor children gain a key understanding of design criteria, practical skills and the critical process of evaluation.  They learn keys skills in preparing and handling food, as well as the principles of food and nutrition.

Our children learn to take risks, be reflective, innovative, enterprising and resilient. Through the evaluation of past and present technology they can reflect upon the impact of Design Technology on everyday life and the wider world

Implementation

At Queen’s Manor, a key importance in Design Technology is the development of skills and knowledge so that children can materialise their ideas. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year-by-year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.  The key skills we teach the children are: sewing and textiles, cooking and nutrition, electrical and mechanical components. Our Design and technology lessons are mainly taught as a block so that children’s learning is focused throughout each unit of work.

All teaching of DT at Queen’s Manor should follow the design, make and evaluate cycle.  The children are given opportunities to experiment with a range of materials and to make decisions about which materials would be most suitable for their design. At the end of a project, children evaluate their models and look at how their work could be improved for future designs.

Our children have the opportunity to learn from other schools as they take part in DT model making and go up against other schools in Dragon’s Den during the summer term.

Impact

By the time our children leave Queen’s Manor they will have developed the skills, concepts and knowledge to express their responses to ideas and experiences in a variety of form outlined in the National Curriculum for Design and Technology.

Our children will have developed

  • an excellent attitude to learning and independent working.
  • the ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
  • the ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
  • a thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
  • An understanding and ability to apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

How you can help your child at home

EYFS and KS1
  • Talk about different products around you, the materials they are made from and what they feel like.
  • Take your child to the supermarket and look at the different fruits and vegetables. Talk about healthy eating and why it is important.
  • Use recycling as an opportunity to create different products.
  • Encourage your child to help you cook at home and talk to them about different cooking processes as you do it.
Key Stage 2
  • Visit the Design Museum. There are a variety of workshops aimed at children aged 8-11 years available to book on to which can be found here https://designmuseum.org/whats-on/talks-courses-and-workshops
  • Encourage your child to help you cook at home and talk to them about different cooking processes as you do it.