Design Technology

National Curriculum aims and purpose 

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. 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. 

Aims:  

• Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate 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 the principles of nutrition and learn to cook.  

School curriculum aims 

At Peak Dale Primary, we want our children to become confident, independent problem solvers, who view challenges with curiosity and a ’what about trying…’ mind-set, both at school and in their wider life beyond.  

When presented with practical problems, our children will be able to combine their skills and prior knowledge to come up with a range of possible solutions, and then use their experience and understanding to focus in on what they consider to be the best design choice. They will have the practical and technical skills needed to put that idea into practice - and the wherewithal to overcome whatever barriers may present themselves on the way to a completed solution to their initial problem.  

To that end, children in every class will be given opportunities to explore new materials, tools, mechanisms and designs, and will be encouraged to explore all of these to find both their potential and their limitations. Each unit of work will have a clear, practical goal as its outcome, accompanied by design criteria against which finished products can be tested and evaluated. Our children will also learn how to use these materials and tools safely and responsibly, and over time will begin to consider the impact that products (and material choices) can have on the wider world.