Design and Technology

Design and Technology

At Bitham Brook School, our Design and Technology curriculum enables pupils to design, make and evaluate purposeful products for a range of users and purposes. In line with the National Curriculum, pupils develop their creativity, problem-solving skills and practical knowledge through designing, making and evaluating products. This ensures that pupils are equipped to think, work and communicate like designers.

Across the school, pupils develop their understanding of structures, mechanisms, CAD and food and nutrition, building on their knowledge and skills as they progress through the year groups. They learn to select and use appropriate materials, tools and techniques, while considering the needs of the user and the purpose of their product.

Vertical progression in each discipline has been deliberately woven into the curriculum, so that pupils revisit key knowledge and skills throughout their primary journey, with increasing levels of challenge and complexity.

To become successful designers, children develop four key skills:

• Design – the process of planning and deciding how something will look, work or function.

• Make – creating a product by selecting, combining and manipulating materials, components and ingredients.

• Evaluate – considering and judging the quality, effectiveness and suitability of a product against its purpose and the needs of the user.

• Apply – using knowledge, skills and understanding in different situations to solve problems and create functional products.

During each unit, children have opportunities to develop, apply and refine these skills, building on previous learning and increasing their independence and confidence as designers.