Design & Technology (D.T)
At Albemarle, Design & Technology is taught alongside Art throughout the children's Lower and Upper School learning journey. Research and analysis of contemporary and historic designers provide children with a key understanding of function and aesthetics.
Intent:
At Albemarle, we take advantage of children’s natural curiosity for how things work in the world around them. This is a great starting point from which to learn about how the man-made world around them is designed. Another inherent quality in children is their creative and practical approach, which lends itself perfectly to realising innovative, creative and imaginative ideas across diverse DT projects. Lessons focus on providing a key understanding of design criteria, practical skills and the critical process of evaluation. This subject builds children’s confidence in problem solving, planning, knowledge of technical process, developing design ideas and applying practical skills towards the making of products. Children learn keys skills in preparing and handling food, as well as the principles of food and nutrition.
Implementation:
DT projects run every second half term, presenting children with the opportunity to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding across the year. At the start of each topic children learn about historical and contemporary designers. Children view designers’ work through a critical lens which focuses on key design criteria such as purpose, aesthetics, functionality etc. This supports children to apply purpose and other key design principals to their own designs; in direct relation to the real world and in response to the needs, wants and values of their customer. Of key importance is the development of skills so that children can materialise their ideas with effect, and a developing considering of functionality, aesthetics and finish as key players in the final outcome. Children learn different methods for communicating their ideas from sketches to exploded diagram and models. Evaluation at the end of each project ensures that children are reflective learners and are always inspired to be innovative.
Impact
Children at Albemarle learn about the value of design and its impact on the way that we live. Introducing real-life contexts activates children’s natural affinity for bringing purpose and creativity together. Through exciting and engaging lessons, children learn about the effectiveness and purpose of design. Through learning about and evaluating a range of products by historical and contemporary designers, children develop a key understanding of the purpose of design products within real life contexts across an exciting range of design.
Curriculum Overview - HERE
Useful Websites for Learning:
The Dyson Foundation
https://www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk/resources/challenge-cards.html
The institution of Engineering and Technology
BBC bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/search?q=design+technology
