We love Design Technology at St. Christopher's and follow planning from the Design and Technology Association to ensure coverage of the curriculum  and progression from years 1-6 (Projects on a Page). We believe in an iterative approach to design and revisit and improve on our skills as we move up the school.

Each year group takes part in 3 D.T projects over the course of an academic year; 1 food based project and 2 in either textiles, construction, electrics or mechanisms.

Purpose of study

Design and 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. They 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, they develop a critical

understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality

design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the

creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Aims

The national curriculum for design and 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.

D.T Week !!!

D.T Weeks are a huge success at St Christopher’s. The children enjoy learning new skills from sewing to cookery (one week every term is dedicated to D.T.). Below are some examples of a typical D.T. Week:

Year One

In year 1 the children explore wheels and axels. They work to design and later construct a moving vehicle. Check out their ice cream and monster trucks. 

Year 2

In year 2 the children use joining techniques to design and create hand puppets based on some of their favourite story characters. Take a look at an outstanding Snow White puppet which stayed true to its initial design.

Year 3

In year 3 the children explore different nets to create some excellent chocolate boxes.

Year 4, 5 and 6

Across years 4, 5 and 6 the children explore foods from different cultures. Year 4 have enjoyed making fruit kebabs and smoothies, whilst years 5 and 6 have celebrated Greek and South American cuisine.

They have impressed staff and their peers with their willingness to try new foods. Many of the final products are a huge success, including homemade pitta bread and onion salsa.

At the end of the week children, staff and parents are welcomed into the exhibition where the children’s work is showcased. 

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Food

Smoothie making in year 2

D.T 

Designing for a purpose

Year 4- Electrical Components 

Electrical Components

Year four have been working with electrical components. We were lucky enough to have a D.T workshop delivered by the talented Steph O’Donnell.

The children worked with specialist tools to design and make a moving animal. They stripped wires, added a motor and made their own switch from scratch.

They were required to accurately measure, cut and glue.

When a battery was added the children were delighted with the results.

They can’t wait to paint them and then take them home to show off.

Year 5-Frame Structures.

Year 5 have been busy making small scale structures. They have investigated ways of strengthening an existing product using triangulation.

I am extremely proud of how well they have worked as a team to produce these incredible structures.

Year 1 - Freestanding Structures

Year one have been busy designing and building an enclosure for a farm or zoo animal.            

They have demonstrated skills in measuring, marking out, cutting, shaping and joining. They have worked with a range of tools including new and reclaimed materials. They have discussed the suitability of materials for their products according to their characteristics.

What great enclosures year 1…You will excel in this area when you reach year 5.

The smiles say it all!!

Year 4- Textiles-2D to 3D product.

In year four we were given a design brief to create a small bag which could be produced cheaply to sell at Chester Zoo.  We looked at existing products and then considered material types, seam allowance, stitch type and the finished product. 

We learnt the importance of designing for a purpose. 

Later we used printing techniques to add animal prints to our end product. We decided that next time we will print before we sew. In D.T we are always learning and evaluating.