At Altmore, Design and Technology inspires children through a broad range of practical experiences to create innovative designs which solve real and relevant problems within a variety of different contexts. 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.
It is also important our children learn where food comes from, its nutrition impact, how food is prepared and cooking skills. These are essential requirements of the Curriculum and both Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 enjoy opportunities where they get to explore different ingredients before baking or preparing food.
In EYFS
At this stage of our children’s academic development they begin to safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and joining techniques. They also begin to represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through design. They begin to draw correlations between a product’s purpose and the End User. For example, in Reception, children were encouraged to talk about what they would need if going on a bear hunt. They were able to determine you would need binoculars when going on a bear hunt and they used junk modelling to create these products.
 |
 |
In KS1
In KS1 children can design purposeful, functioning and appealing products for themselves or others. They are supported to make their designs using a range of tools, equipment, materials and components. They are also encouraged to communicate their ideas and evaluate their finished product. We encourage children to use the iterative approach to develop their resilience, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
 |
 |
Useful Links
Teachit
Design & Technology Association (Primary)
Useful texts
See Inside Bridges, Towers and Tunnels by Struan Reid
100 Things to know about Inventions by Clive Gifford
Farmers’ Market by Stefan Page
Children’s Learn to Sew Book: 35 Easy and Fun Things to Sew and Embroider
by CICO Books (author)
Wheels & Axles by Martha E. H. Rustad
Enrichment
We provide all children with the opportunity to explore existing resources so they can make informed decisions with regards to influencing their own ideas about the products they would like to make. This may take place in school or as part of a local educational visit.
For example when making playgrounds as part of a Year 2 topic, children visited their local playground where they were provided with opportunity to play and explore different equipment which in turn helped influence their design. In Year 2 children tasted different sandwich ingredients during a taste testing lesson and this resulted in influencing what they would include in their own healthy sandwich when making them.