Purpose of study

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.

Aims

The national curriculum for design and technology 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.

Intent

The design and technology curriculum will enable pupils to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. The scheme of work is designed to develop skills and to draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they will develop a critical understanding of how aspects of DT have an impact on daily life. The scheme is aimed to make a connection between products, their marketing and their use. The scheme builds on the National Curriculum. Pupils 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. They critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others and understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.