Intent

At Merrylands Primary School and Nursery, we aim to provide children with a real-life context for learning in our rapidly changing technological world.  Our curriculum has been designed to inspire and instigate creativity and imagination in designing and making though progressive knowledge and skills.  

Through the teaching of design and technology, children will explore inventions from both past and present, which encourages them to develop a critical understanding of the impact of such inventions on our daily lives and the lives of others.

During design and technology lessons, children will acquire subject knowledge and skills that draw upon other areas of their learning such as mathematics, science, computing and art. A range of tools, resources and materials will also be used including ICT. We encourage children to work both independently and in teams, to consider differing needs and to be resourceful and enterprising; building resilience in their problem-solving, all of which helps to equip children for life beyond our primary school.  We aim to produce well-rounded individuals by providing the children with opportunities to expand their cultural capital and experiences of the world.

Implementation

Our teaching staff plan for teaching and learning of design and technology by following our bespoke long term plan which covers all aspects of the National Curriculum and the EYFS Statutory Framework. Our design and technology curriculum begins at Nursery and progresses all the way through to Year 6 covering all aspects throughout the school, including: designing, making and evaluating products as well as cooking and nutrition.  The long term plan outlines the key knowledge and skills for each topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across the school.  It provides both support and challenges for learners through a variety of learning styles and links are made to cross-curricular topics where appropriate.

Design and technology lessons begin with exploration of existing products based on what they will be creating. This is followed by examination of different materials, tools and techniques they will need in order to construct their product. Children put this into action by designing, making and evaluating purposeful, functional and appealing products. They are taught the skills needed to implement their designs, and those needed as part of the planning and evaluation of their products. They select and use a range of tools and materials to perform practical tasks. As they progress through the school, they will select and use a wider range of tools and materials, work with more complex structures and use mechanical and electrical systems in their products.

Impact

Children learn to appreciate and develop an understanding of the value of design and technology in the context of their own lives and in the world around them.  It contributes to their personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection. They develop good knowledge, understanding and appreciation of a range of materials and how they have multi-purpose uses. They develop the skills and vocabulary necessary to create their intended designs and can talk confidently about their work, evaluating, refining and improving the outcomes of their work. Children will also understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. 

Design and technology knowledge goals are assessed throughout each unit of work using the Merrylands assessment grid and this information is used to inform future planning.  The subject is monitored regularly to measure the impact of the design and technology curriculum content, design and delivery and the outcomes of this monitoring are used to drive forward next steps within the subject.