Design and Technology is a practical subject, which allows pupils to plan, design and create things. At Elmhurst, Design and Technology encourages children to become autonomous and creative problem-solvers by identifying needs and responding by designing and developing ideas and eventually making products. Pupils combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as functions and industrial practices. This allows them to reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and its impacts.
We ensure that the children can apply their knowledge and understanding when developing and researching ideas, designing and making products and finally evaluating them. We promote an iterative approach to design so that children are in control of their decision making in creating their final outcomes.
Within lessons, we give children the opportunity both to work on their own and to collaborate with others, listening to other children’s ideas respectfully. Children critically evaluate existing products, their own work and that of others. They have the opportunity to use a wide range of materials and resources to explore design and technology, including woodwork, food, textiles, levers, electrical systems and computing software.
We plan the activities in design and technology so that they build upon the prior learning of the children. We give children of all abilities the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding and we also build planned progression into the scheme of work, so that the children are increasingly challenged as they move through the school.
When teachers deliver the Design and Technology curriculum, they plan inclusive lessons taking into account the needs of the class and ensure that children with SEND are able to participate in lessons with adult support. Often, these children are allowed to extend their learning out of class with their appropriate adult, to practise the skills within the unit such as sawing, sewing, sticking to create individualised outcomes, as specified in their learning plans.
Pupils record ideas, designs and skills in their book, which are then used to track the progress and record the achievements of pupil’s experiences in design and technology.
Please take a look at our Design and Technology Curriculum Map.
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