Intent

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. At Waterfield, we value the creative curriculum and believe that it can have a powerful and positive effect on children, helping them to become confident, creative learners who are able to express their individual interests, thoughts and ideas. We encourage the children to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. As pupils progress, we support them to be able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of design and technology.

Implementation

Through DT work in the classroom, the children at Waterfield have the opportunity to develop their skills in mechanisms, structures, textiles, mechanical systems, electrical systems and cooking and nutrition. These areas are developed continuously throughout the school from foundation stage through to Year 6.

Progressive layering of knowledge, embedded in long-term memory, scaffolds pupils to:

  • Develop their skills and knowledge across five key areas: structures, mechanisms, electrical systems, cooking and nutrition and textiles
  • Understand how to design purposeful, appealing products for different functions
  • Explore existing designs and understand how these things work
  • Plan and practise their ideas in different ways e.g., drawings, templates, and mock ups
  • Use a range of tools to perform practical tasks
  • Select materials or components that are fit for purpose
  • Evaluate and learn from their own and existing products to make improvements

Learning in each unit is planned around the Design – Make – Evaluate process to ensure there is a balance between developing children’s knowledge and understanding of product design, application of acquired Technical Knowledge and skills to their final outcome and also an opportunity to learn about great architects, designers, inventors, engineers and chefs.

When children leave Waterfield, we hope the skill they have developed as designers – exploring ideas, being inventive, overcoming obstacles, problem solving and taking risks will prepare them for the next steps in education and their wider life as global citizens.

View our Progression Map for Design and Technology.