Our Design and Technology Intent

At Manor Leas Infant School, Design and Technology is recognised as being an important part of our children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum because it allows pupils to solve problems, think creatively and develop ideas. We aim to provide the children with a curriculum that will nurture their curiosity and creativity as well as preparing them for living in a modern world where technology is rapidly changing and advancing.

Aims:

• To develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
• To 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.
• To critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
• To understand and apply the principles of nutrition and begin to learn how to cook.

During Key Stage 1 pupils learn through a variety of creative and practical activities. Pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making. Pupils are taught to design purposeful, functional, appealing products and generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates and IT. Pupils learn to make by selecting from and using a range of tools and equipment, materials and components. Pupils learn to explore and evaluate their own ideas and existing products. Pupils learn technical knowledge that allows them to build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable. They also explore and use mechanisms such as levers, sliders, wheels and axles in their products.