Design and Technology

Design and Technology (DT) is an inspiring, practical subject that encourages children to learn to think creatively to solve problems, both as individuals and as members of a team. At Levendale, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems and we do this within a variety of contexts. Children are taught about considering their own and others’ needs and to evaluate their own work and the work of others.

We link many of our DT activities to other curriculum areas, such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness. Children are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers. They learn how to be resourceful, innovative and enterprising.

Our DT curriculum enables children to develop a critical understanding of structures and mechanisms, analysing existing designs for strength, durability and attractiveness. In food technology, they learn about cooking and nutrition. Key skills and knowledge have been mapped to ensure progression between year groups.

Healthy and Safe	Pupils are taught to work safely and hygienically, using tools, equipment, techniques and ingredients appropriate to the task. Pupils follow online safety rules when researching, designing and creating digitally.
Positive Mindset	Pupils are taught to evaluate their own work Every child is a designer, their work, ideas and creativity are celebrated. Pupils are encouraged to have a go and experiment with their designing. Pupils are taught to evaluate their own work. Children learn that making mistakes and re-doing is a huge part of Design and Technology and integral to learning.
Respect	Pupils are able to reflect and discuss their work and the work of others making suggestions as to how a piece of work may be improved. Pupils listen to each other’s ideas and value the opinions of their peers. Pupils are able to work collaboratively on group projects, contributing to the final project.
Independence	Pupils can access a wide range of resources, media and materials Children can plan, think creatively, solve problems, consider the needs of others, take risks, be resourceful, be innovative and be enterprising.  Children develop skills which enable them to work on their own without direct adult guidance. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators, problem solvers and risk takers.
Pupil Voice	Pupils say what they like/ dislike/ feel about a particular model / project. Every child’s thoughts and ideas are valued.
Aspirational	The curriculum is challenging and meets the needs of all children. Key skills, knowledge and vocabulary are mapped out across school. Design is rooted in real life, relevant contexts to give meaning to the learning, providing opportunity for children to use creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and other’s needs. There is a clear progression of knowledge, skills and discreet vocabulary.