Please click here to view our Design Technology progression document

At Glenleigh Park we have designed a curriculum for Design Technology that allows children to develop a wide range of knowledge across different areas of technology. Children are required to develop their understanding of each stage of the design and make process.

Through exploring existing products and techniques, children are able to gain the knowledge and skills required to create designs that match the criteria of the design brief. When making products, children are taught to use an increasing range of tools and equipment in a safe and effective manner within the classroom environment. Evaluation of their final products is a key part of the design and make process and the children are encouraged to be critical about their own and others products which allows them to make improvements in their knowledge and skills over time.

Our Design Technology curriculum provides children with the opportunity to develop the following key concepts:

• Creativity and imagination
• Problem solving
• Innovation

These concepts are evident across the whole Design Technology curriculum. Prior knowledge of the concepts is continually built upon enabling the children to progress and further their learning.

Pupils are taught to approach design problems with energy and enthusiasm; considering new and innovative ways to approach the tasks they are given. Children may work independently or as part of a group, where ideas are shared and discussed allowing for the best final design and product. Through this collaborative work, children are courage to be creative in their thinking as well as valuing the contributions of others.

Children will have the opportunity to work with mechanisms; food; wood; circuits and textiles during their journey through the Design Technology curriculum. Children are also supported to understand a range of manufacturing processes and significant innovations in technology. Whilst developing this understanding children are asked to consider how these changes impacted the lives of people living at the time as well as considering how technology influences so many aspects of our lives today.