Design and Technology
At Queen’s Drive, our Design and Technology (DT) curriculum empowers children to become creative problem-solvers, skilled makers, and thoughtful designers. We aim to provide students with practical knowledge and hands-on experiences that inspire innovation and cultivate an understanding of the world around them. Through a blend of practical skills, technical knowledge, and critical thinking, our DT curriculum prepares students for real-world challenges and encourages a lifelong love of making and designing.
We integrate the following curriculum areas of focus with other areas of learning, making connections to English, science, mathematics, art, and engineering. Our lessons are designed to be inclusive, engaging, and supportive of individual growth and collaboration.
Our Design and Technology curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including:
-Structures and Mechanisms: Exploring how things work and creating models using levers, gears, and cams.
-Textiles: Learning techniques to create, join, and decorate fabrics, developing fine motor skills and design awareness.
- Food Technology: Fostering understanding of healthy eating, food sources, and essential cooking skills.
- Electronics and Coding: Introducing simple circuits and coding to bring projects to life.
The Iterative Process in Design and Technology
The iterative approach not only fosters creativity but also helps students understand the importance of feedback and improvement in real-world design. By revisiting and refining their work, children learn that designing is a journey that values perseverance, innovation, and adaptation.
A key element of our DT curriculum is the iterative design process, which we use at every stage of learning and development. This cyclical approach encourages students to:
1. Research and Investigate: Students begin by exploring a problem or design brief, researching ideas, and generating initial concepts.
2. Design and Prototype: They create sketches, prototypes, and models, developing their ideas into tangible forms. At this stage, students are encouraged to consider user needs, functionality, and sustainability.
3. Make and Test: Using a range of tools and materials, students bring their designs to life. They are introduced to safe and effective use of equipment and are encouraged to think about accuracy, durability, and aesthetics.
4. Evaluate and Improve: Following testing, students review their designs, reflect on the success of their product, and identify areas for improvement. This process allows them to refine their skills and develop resilience.
Our aim is for every child to leave Queen’s Drive with practical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the confidence to approach future challenges with a designer’s mindset.
The subject leaders for Design Technology are Mrs Snape and Mr Aspinall