At Stainton C of E Primary School, we believe that design and technology helps to prepare children for the developing world and encourages them to become curious and creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team.

Through the study of design and technology, they combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues. Design and technology helps all children to become discerning and informed consumers and potential innovators. It provides children with a greater awareness and understanding of how everyday products are designed and made.

Our aims are:

• to develop imaginative thinking in children and to enable them to talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making;
• to enable children to talk about how things work, and to draw and model their ideas;
• to encourage children to select appropriate tools and techniques for making a product, whilst following safe procedures;
• to foster enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose in designing and making;
• to use ICT software to assist our designing and learning.

Design and Technology is an inspiring, creative and practical subject. Design and Technology at Stainton C of E Primary School encourages children to learn to think, approach challenges creatively and to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. We encourage children to use their creativity and imagination:  applying these skills by evaluating products currently on the market and designing and making products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. As part of the curriculum, children research the changes in design and technology over time.  Design and Technology allows the practise and application of mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art skills. The children are encouraged to be innovative and take risks. Design and Technology is inclusive, allowing connections to children’s lives and give them the belief that they all have the ability to feel success in the subject.

Teaching and Learning

Each Design and Technology lesson is planned focussing on a key area of design: Make; Technical Knowledge; Design and Evaluate. The progressive skills develop the creative, technical and practical expertise to design, make and evaluate products in a range of contexts as they move from EYFS to KS1 and then KS2. Children have the opportunity to use a wide range of materials and resources. We use a variety of teaching and learning styles in design and technology lessons. Teachers ensure that the children apply their knowledge and understanding when developing ideas, planning, making products and evaluating them.