We teach Design and Technology (DT) as an inspiring and practical subject that is inclusive to all of our pupils. Design and Technology provides children with an opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Where possible we will try to link our designs to our topics.
Pupils will be given the opportunity to design, make and evaluate products using a variety of techniques and materials. Pupils will also be taught cooking and nutrition. We believe that instilling a love of cooking in pupils will enable them to become independent; gaining skills and preparing them to look after themselves. We believe that it is important that pupils learn the importance of a balanced diet and food hygiene.
The teaching of DT will follow the requirements of the Early Years curriculum and the National Curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2, to ensure children’s DT journey is progressive across our entire school. In KS1 pupils will be taught how to design, make and evaluate, but also to gain specific technical knowledge such as exploring how things can be made stronger and using mechanisms. In KS2 pupils will also design, make and evaluate products, but their technical knowledge will develop and build on existing skills to strengthen and reinforce more complex structures, use mechanical systems in their products, understand and use electrical systems in their products and apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.
Cooking and nutrition in KS1 will teach pupils to use basic principles of a healthy, varied diet to prepare and ensure pupils understand where food comes from. KS2 pupils will develop their knowledge of balanced diets and apply their skills from KS1 in order to prepare and cook a variety of predominately savoury dishes using a range of cooking techniques. KS2 pupils should also be taught to understand seasonality and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed.
We believe that teaching pupils in practical and creative lessons how to design, make and evaluate products will help to prepare them for life after school. We believe that we are teaching life-long skills of how to craft and make products for themselves and also vital skills in how to cook a balanced, healthy diet. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.