Design Technology
Design Technology
Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
At Henley CofE Primary School we believe that design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, the children design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Design is the process of intentionally creating something while at the same time considering its purpose. The children learn to think about and understand the function, economic, sociocultural factors and aesthetics of their products. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
We provide a knowledge rich curriculum. The bible says, ‘For wisdom is better than rubies…’ Proverb 8:11. We believe that through the accumulation and application of knowledge and skills, children are equipped to experience, ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10).
The national curriculum for Design and Technology aims to ensure that all 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 other
- Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.
Which Christian values underpin the curriculum content?
- Perseverance: we enable our children to become self-motivated learners who have the confidence to persevere with the challenges that they may face during project work, whilst at the same time not being afraid to learn by making mistakes.
- Respect: The children are respectful of each other and know that when they are offering feedback or evaluating each other’s work that they need to be respectful, positive and polite.
- Thankfulness: The children are thankful of each other when working in groups or when offering support or advice to encourage each other. They are also thankful for all we have. Each and every object that is designed serves a purpose of which we can be thankful.
- Joy: Products that have been designed enable everyday life to flow with ease and therefore can bring joy to people’s lives.
How are British Values taught from Design and Technology?
Children at Henley CofE Primary School develop an awareness of Health & safety for themselves and others within each specialist area. They are taught the social skills around behaviour self-regulation to ensure collective responsibility for a safe and efficient working environment. The children are taught to challenge each other’s behaviour or practices if they fall short of the collective expectations of the group. Children also explore how products contribute to lifestyle and consumer choices, understanding how products evolve according to users’ and designers’ needs, beliefs, ethics and values. The children understand about the moral choices facing designers & manufacturers when deciding on materials. Children study iconic British designers and art & design movements. They focus on recycling and how to manage portion sizes of food to minimise waste helps students to connect with the dilemmas of those who do not have an abundance of food.
We encourage students to have a sense of enjoyment and a fascination for learning about the world around them and ensure that children know the difference between right and wrong and understand that actions have consequences so that they respect the rule of law. Children are taught about organic, free range, local & seasonal foods and the moral and ethical reasons behind buying these foods. We encourage mutual respect through peer observations. We focus on the learning habits to build self-confidence and allow children to not be scared to fail. We carry out product analysis in all areas and give children the opportunity to maturely critique each other’s work. We look at cultural influences on the food we cook and the diversity of ingredients available for us to cook with.