DT across school

Purpose of study for KS1 and KS2

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.

KS1 and KS2 Aims

The National Curriculum for design and technology aims 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.

You can see the National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2 here.

Attainment targets for KS1 and KS2

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.

Assessment in Design Technology 

As with all areas of the curriculum, assessment is an integral part of the teaching process. Class teachers keep records of work carried out, and levels of achievement for each child. Photographs are a useful tool to keep as a reminder of pupil’s achievement and to remind the child of their own achievements.

Formative assessment is used to guide the process of individual pupils in Design and Technology.  It involves identifying each child’s progress in each aspect of the curriculum, determining what each child has learnt and what should be the next step in their learning.  Formative assessment is mostly carried out informally by the teachers in the course of their teaching and is based on the identified assessment opportunities. Children’s progress in Design and Technology is reported to parents through the pupil annual report and consultation meetings throughout the year.

DT in the EYFS 

Within the EYFS design and technology occurs in both the continuous provision in children's play and also through adult led focused sessions. The continuous provision may involve a child designing a model of a house using junk model equipment, creating a bridge for their cars to move across or building a den using blocks, tyres, planks and large pieces of fabric. Adult led DT could involve baking and cooking, sewing, weaving, woodwork, working with clay or designing and making a kite to fly in the wind. All adult led DT is based on children's emerging interests so although EYFS may be involved in the DT days, they incorporate DT into daily and weekly plans and weave it across all the provision. 

EYFS Aims

For the EYFS design and technology is covered in the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning. The Educational programme states that "The development of children’s artistic and cultural awareness supports their imagination and creativity. It is important that children have regular opportunities to engage with the arts, enabling them to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials. The quality and variety of what children see, hear and participate in is crucial for developing their understanding, self-expression, vocabulary and ability to communicate through the arts. The frequency, repetition and depth of their experiences are fundamental to their progress in interpreting and appreciating what they hear, respond to and observe."

You can see the EYFS Statutory Framework here.

Attainment targets for EYFS

The aim by the end of the EYFS is that children at the expected level of development will:
- Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function;
- Share their creations, explaining the process they have used.