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. 

National Curriculum 2014

Curriculum Intent 

At St Patrick's Catholic Primary our Design and Technology curriculum 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 others 

• Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. 

Curriculum Implementation 

Our teaching and implementation of the Design and technology Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum, ensuring a well-structured approach to the subject. 
 

A long term and medium term plan is in place to ensure an engaging curriculum content. Most topics contain a link to the STEM website ensuring the children acquire a broad range of subject knowledge, drawing on disciplines such as maths, science, engineering, computing and art. Vocabulary is taught in all units to ensure that Design and Technology terminology is understood.  

Lessons are taught in blocks on a termly bases and involve carefully planned lessons that scaffold and deepen the understanding of the subject. We ensure application of knowledge in various contexts alongside creative, practical activities to help children know and remember more.  

We encourage children to ask questions, explore existing products, reflect on their own designs, and draw on evaluations to help future designing. Children will work practically, both independently and collaboratively to develop and embed specific knowledge.  

Below is on outline of our curriculum offer in Art and design from EYFS to Year 6. 

EYFS 

Creating with materials: 

• Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. 

• Share their creations, explaining the process they have used. 

• Make use of props and materials when role playing characters in narratives and stories. 

Key Stage 1 

Year 1 – design and create a moving vehicle, using materials – make a home for the three little pigs and create fruit and veg kebabs.  

Year 2 – sewing and weaving, sliders and leavers and creating scrummy scones. 
Key Stage 2 

Year 3 – Designing trousers for ugg, How fast should your buggy be? And creating great, green soup.  

Year 4 – What music would you like to make? Creating pleasing pasta and What sort of light will work for you? 

Year 5 – Batik cushions based on the Bayeux tapestry, bridges in a modern world, perfect plant salad 

Year 6 – How will you store your favourite things? Budgeting for a party and Picturesque pizzas 

Curriculum Impact 

Throughout each block of study, teachers carefully plan to assess the children’s work through constructive verbal feedback and next steps, with further opportunities to develop their product, improving their work and ensuring skills are being developed. Evidence of the children’s work is collected in sketch books in KS1 and KS2. A sample of work is collected each year. Photographs of models, or larger 3D pieces are also kept within this book. 

In each year group there is a cover page which shows skills progression. Teachers can use these to record the progress and attainment against the National curriculum expectations of attainment and the knowledge and skills progression document. Teachers can then use this information to inform future lessons.  

A range of other activities take place across the year to measure the impact of learning in Art and Design including book looks, pupil interviews, staff meetings, annual reports to parents, learning walks and Questionnaires. Assessment data is collected once a year and is analysed by the art and design lead.  

Children in EYFS are assessed within Expressive Arts and Design and their progress is tracked using the EYFS curriculum.