INTENT
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject that encourages pupils to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems. At St Anselm’s, our vision is that pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform Design and Technology tasks with confidence. We aim, wherever possible, to link learning in this subject to other areas of the curriculum, such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art whilst at the same time providing pupils with opportunities to develop the personal attributes of our unique Rainbow Curriculum.

‘Inspire to Aspire’

As part of their learning within each topic, children will be exploring and celebrating the work of historical and contemporary designers from a range of genders, backgrounds and cultures.

IMPLEMENTATION

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. Pupils work in a range of relevant contexts, for example: home, school leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment; learning can link to a cross-curricular theme or stand alone.

Five units are taught every two years and each unit is taught in three clear phases:

Phase1: investigative and evaluative activities;

Phase 2: focused practical tasks;

Phase 3: design make and evaluate.

Key skills and knowledge for Design and Technology have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups. When designing and making, pupils are taught to:

Design

• use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups;
• generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design.

Make

• select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks accurately;
• select from and use a wider range of materials and components according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities.

Evaluate

• investigate and analyse a range of existing products;
• evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work;
• understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world.

IMPACT

We ensure that pupils:

• 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;
• 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;
• design and make a range of good quality products finished to a standard appropriate to their age and ability.

The high-quality Design and Technology education at St Anselm’s ensures that pupils communicate effectively, working confidently as individuals and as part of a team. They are empowered to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and successful citizens.  It plays a significant role in teaching pupils about the importance of having respect and tolerance for all genders and cultures, enabling them to make an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation, both now and in the future.