In an increasingly technological world, it is important that children are aware of how design and technology can affect and influence their lives and that they develop the capability to solve problems using their knowledge and skills in this area. In DT, we follow the programmes of study for key stages 1 and 2 for the National Curriculum in England, which can be found here. Across all key stages, children are given opportunities to:
- Test and evaluate current products and designs
- Design
- Make
- Evaluate
- Choose and use a range of appropriate tools and materials
- Learn about influential designers and innovators
- Understand the importance and impact of nutrition and make a basic meal product.
The children are helped to develop an increasingly independent and evaluative approach to working. DT is usually taught through Topic themes, for example designing and constructing a room in a Victorian dolls’ house during the Victorians topic. If this is not possible, pupils are regularly given opportunities to learn through DT as part of the wider curriculum and cross-curricular links are made whenever possible.