It is our intent at Elmstead Primary for DT to offer children the chance to use creative thinking and design within a defined purpose and tangible outcome. Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in a process of designing and making. They work in a range of contexts which allows for cross curricular links to be made. Through the study of DT, pupils 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.

Design and Technology is taught through a topic approach alongside Art, History and Geography. Our Creative Curriculum is carefully planned to engage and excite all our learners. The activities in design and technology build upon the prior learning of the children. Children in their designing and making will apply knowledge and skills of: textiles, food, mechanisms and structures. Electrical control is included at key stage 2. Whilst we give children of all abilities the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding, we have in place a skills continuum which ensures continuity and progression so that there is an increasing challenge for the children as they move up through the school. As well as making its own distinctive contribution to the school curriculum, Design and Technology contributes to the wider aims of primary education by making links between all areas of learning.

Examples of what your child might make within Design and Technology:

EYFS: Fairy cakes, junk modeling, using a saw to cut wood.

KS1: Fruit kebabs, coleslaw, windmills, bug hotels.

KS2: Smoothies, soup, pizza, two course meal, picture frames, boats, marble runs and air raid shelters.

Design and technology is taught a minimum of once a term. The children at Elmstead will cover technical, making and cooking across the year following a progressive skills document.