“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like, it’s how it works” – Steve Jobs
“I made 5127 prototypes of my vacuum before I got it right. There were 5126 failures. But I learned from each one. That’s how I came up with a solution so I don’t mind failure.” – James Dyson
“Design and Technology in primary schools develops young children’s skills and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials, including food. Design and Technology encourages children's creativity and encourages them to think about important issues.”- Design and Technology Association
Why we teach Design Technology
At Adel St John, we believe design and technology is an inspiring subject. It uses creativity and imagination where pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. Children are encouraged to consider their own and other’s needs, wants and values. During their time at Adel St John, the children gain a range of subject knowledge and skills, incorporating subjects such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Our children are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers by building on their skills through taught sequences. A love of DT will encourage and support children in questioning and evaluating how things work and considering ways to improve the world around them
Intent
By following the National Curriculum for design technology (2014), we aim to ensure that all pupils are able to:
- 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.
By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.
Useful documents
| Name | |
|---|---|
| Adel St John DT Long term plan 2024-25- FINAL NOV 24.pdf | Download |
| ASJ Policy DT 2023-26.pdf | Download |
| DT Risk Assessment- Cooking.pdf | Download |
| DT Risk Assessment- Craft knives.pdf | Download |
| DT Risk Assessment- Fabric scissors.pdf | Download |
| DT Risk Assessment- glue guns.pdf | Download |
| DT Risk Assessment- round ended blunt knives.pdf | Download |
| DT Risk Assessment- round ended blunt knives.pdf | Download |
| DT Risk Assessment- Round ended scissors.pdf | Download |
| DT Risk Assessment- sharp knives.pdf | Download |
Year 2- Structures
Year 2 have been looking at 'Structures' this half term in DT and were asked to design and make a chair for Paddington Bear using flange joints.
Year 1 Puppets
Year 4 Mindfulness Timers
Year 5- Doodlers
During the autumn term, year 5 designed and made their own doodlers for the children in Reception. This was a new DT project for year 5 and something that involved a lot of perseverance but many victories once they had completed it! The children built on their electricity knowledge of circuits from year 4 to create the doodlers. Have you ever seen a doodler before?! Here's one in action!
Year 3- Pneumatic toys
The children in year 3 have been learning about pneumatics and have designed and created some pneumatic toys for the children in year 1. This was a tricky type of mechanism to understand at first but once the children had explored different types, they were ready to design. The children enjoyed the creativity these toys brought and there were some fantastic ideas! Have a look below!
Design Technology at home- Why not try some of these ideas at home?
https://www.dyson.co.uk/newsroom/overview/update/top-five-engineering-challenges-to-do-at-home
https://omny.fm/shows/fun-kids/playlists/techno-mum-fun-kids-guide-to-technology