Introduction
- Design & 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.
- Pupils 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, pupils develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.
- High-quality Design & Technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
Aims of the Clavering Curriculum for Design & Technology
The Clavering Curriculum for Design & 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.
Clavering Learning Foci for Design & Technology
1. To design, make and evaluate: to research and design; to make; to evaluate.
2. To master practical skills: construction; mechanics; textiles; electricals and electronics; materials; computing;
3. To acquire and apply knowledge of cooking and nutrition.
Topics studied in each year group
Year 1:
Food Technology 1; Construction 1; Mechanics 1; Textiles 1
Year 2:
Food Technology 2; Construction 2; Mechanics 2; Textiles 2
Year 3:
Food Technology 3; Construction 3; Textiles 3
Year 4:
Food Technology 4; Electricals and Electronics 1; Mechanics 3
Year 5:
Food Technology 5; Electricals and Electronics 2; Construction 4
Year 6:
Food Technology 6; Mechanics 4; Textiles 4
Note:
1. Four D&T topics are taught in Lower School and three D&T topics are taught in Middle School and Upper School;
2. ‘Food Technology’ units are taught in every year group;
3. ‘Construction’ and ‘Mechanics’ units alternate in Key Stage 2 (‘Construction’ is taught in Years 3 and 5 and ‘Mechanics’ is taught in Year 4 and Year 6);
4. ‘Textiles’ and ‘Electricals and Electronics’ units alternate in Key Stage 2 (‘Textiles’ is taught in Years 3 and 6 and ‘Electricals and Electronics’ is taught in Years 4 and 5 – linking with the Clavering Curriculum for Science);
5. The ‘Materials’ and ‘Computing’ learning foci are taught within other D&T units (i.e. there are no designated ‘Materials’ or ‘Computing’ units within the D&T long-term-plan);
6. ‘Textiles’ is also taught within the Clavering Curriculum for Art & Design – but from an artistic perspective, rather than a product design viewpoint.