Design and Technology is a creative and practical subject with strong links to both the Arts and the Sciences. Through different Design and Technology activities, children can respond to products already made, problem solve and communicate ideas. Pupils can investigate ideas, be imaginative and develop making skills using a variety of tools and materials in a very practical way. They can learn to appraise their own products and the products of others. The curriculum is organised to give pupils the chance to revisit and review skills and knowledge that has been previously taught. The curriculum starts in EYFS and is based on the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning as set out in Development Matters for children in Nursery and Reception. When children reach Y1, our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum. 

 The key skills taught:

• Researching existing products – learning to do their own research
• Evaluating existing products, considering function, fit for use and finish
• Understanding who the products are for and the needs of the users
• Disassembly of products where appropriate
• Communicate ideas in a variety of forms – discussion, diagrams and writing
• Understand, use and develop the concept of design criteria
• Learning to use a variety of tools and materials safely
• Use the knowledge gained from prior activities and focused tasks to apply their skills to making prototypes and final products
• Evaluate own products made against the design criteria and consider how the product could be improved further. Communicate these ideas clearly.
• Know and use the technical vocabulary of Design and Technology
• Learn practical skills involving: 
  • Selecting the appropriate tools
  • Selecting the appropriate materials and components according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities
  • Cutting a variety of materials and shaping materials
  • Joining materials – sewing, knowing the appropriate glues etc.
  • Combining ingredients to produce a new product (food)
  • Strengthening, stiffening or reinforcing structures
  • Making and testing prototypes and analysing their success
  • Making and testing patterns when appropriate
  • Understanding and using mechanical systems such as levers, sliders, wheels and axles, linkages and cams
  • Understand and use electrical systems in products including switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors
  • Understand and use control in their products using programmable systems