Design & Technology at St Mary’s Hampton
Our Curriculum
Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. 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. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
At St. Mary’s, we aim to ensure that all pupils:
- Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
- 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
- Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
- Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook
Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They work in a range of relevant contexts [for example, the home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community, industry and the wider environment] considering the following stages as part of the process: design, make, evaluate and technical knowledge.
Cooking and Nutrition
As part of their work with food, pupils are taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils here opens a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. We believe learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life. EYFS through to Year 6 all take part in an annual Healthy Eating Week project.
Assessment in Design & Technology
Photos of children’s work alongside their folders are taken by class teachers to assess against ‘model examples’ to determine whether they are working towards the expected standard, at the expected standard or working at greater depth within the expected standard at the end of the academic year.