Intent 

DT should provide children with a real life context for learning. Through the DT curriculum, children should be inspired by engineers, designers, chefs and architects to enable them to create a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products with a real life purpose. DT is primarily a practical subject, pupils should be given the opportunity to solve problems using their imagination, in a variety of contexts considering the needs, wants and values of themselves and others around them. During DT lessons pupils should draw upon their knowledge from the rest of the curriculum for example; science, art and computing. The importance of the evaluation process should not be forgotten as this allows pupils to become self-reflective and consider how high quality design and technology projects can contribute to society.  

Implementation 

Teaching of DT should follow the design, make and evaluate cycle. Where possible, the design process should be rooted in real life, relevant contexts to give meaning to learning. You should aim to incorporate the use of a  range of tools with increasing complexity across the year groups. To evaluate, children should be able to evaluate their own and existing products against a design criteria with focus on the user. Each of these steps should be rooted in technical knowledge ( see learning objectives for more detail) . It is important that each stage should be given equal weight. There should be evidence in each of these stages in the DT booklets.  

Impact  

We aim to ensure that by following this approach to DT that children enjoy the lessons and become inspired to design and create by researching existing products and the needs of other users in an increasingly technological based word. Over their time in primary school, they will build a repertoire of skills and vocabulary, which will enable them to successfully research, design, make and evaluate products. They will create a series of quality products embedded in real life relevant experiences. Children will become resourceful and innovative by solving problems through the process of evaluation and working collaboratively. They will develop an understanding of how advancements in products and technology impacts upon daily life.