Design and Technology
 

Curriculum Statement
At Chatsworth Primary School  we aim to provide all children with a broad and balanced curriculum,  which prepares them for life beyond primary education. We encourage children to use their creativity and imagination.  To design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts -  whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

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.

 

At Chatsworth we believe that children learn best when they are actively involved in the learning process. Design Technology, by its very nature, is a ‘hands on’ subject. Within Design Technology a variety of materials and methods are used: including construction equipment, plastics, wood, food, fabrics, mechanical components and computer-aided design. Children are encouraged to select tools and materials appropriate for the task and to use them sensibly and safely. Specific knowledge and skills are taught and understanding is developed through exploring and evaluating a range of existing products and in taking part in focused practical tasks -  including cooking. Many of the important skills developed though designing and making help with learning across the curriculum - such as mathematics, science, computing and art.

 

In this subject the children go on a journey of investigating, designing, making, modifying and evaluating. It provides unique opportunities for the children to work independently and with others to solve problems set by themselves or the teacher. In this way children gain an understanding of what it is to design a product; what technology is; and how it can be used in their world. It also helps the children to use the rapidly changing technologies of today and prepare them for the new technologies of tomorrow.