What is the importance of the subject? Why should pupils be studying it? Why should they care about it? How might the subject link to the real world / real life scenarios?
In design and technology pupils combine practical and technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems that meet human needs. They learn to use current technologies and consider the impact of future technological developments. They learn to think creatively and imaginatively to improve the quality of life, solving problems within a variety of contexts as individuals and members of a team, considering the wants, needs and values of others. Through design and technology pupils develop confidence in using practical skills and become discriminating users of products. They apply their creative thinking and learn to innovate, as well as learning how to evaluate past and present design and technology, to develop a critical understanding of the subject’s impact on daily life and in the wider world. Design and technology enables young people to actively contribute to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of themselves, their community and their nation. It teaches how to take risks and so become more resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable. Additionally, it provides excellent opportunities for students to develop and apply value judgements of an aesthetic, economic, moral, social, and technical nature both in their own designing and when evaluating the work of others.
Our department aims and objectives:
- To provide a range of structured and differentiated activities which develop breadth and progression, where possible relating these to the personal interest and everyday experiences of our pupils.
- To develop knowledge and teach skills in order to design and make products successfully.
- To help children become aware of and investigate simple products by disassembly and evaluation.
- To show understanding and skills in order to design and make high quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
- To provide adequate time, access to information, skills and resources to make good quality products.
- To provide time to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
- To motivate pupils by providing interesting and stimulating experiences.
- To provide equal opportunities and develop the qualities of individual pupils.
- To enable pupils to use design and technology to solve a range of problems.
- To help pupils understand and apply the principles of nutrition, including healthy eating, and learn how to cook.
What are the key concepts or big ideas underpinning the subject?
Pupils will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as:
- Designing
- Research analysis
- Product specifications
- Development of ideas
- Model making
- CAD/CAM (computer aided design/manufacture)
- Practical tasks
- Evaluating
- Subject specific vocabulary
- Industrial processes including sustainability
- Companies and designers
- Links to maths and science