Design technology helps children to become problem solvers through practical tasks, using creativity and imagination. It is a subject all children can enjoy individually or as part of a team and gives them the opportunity to become innovators. At Thames Ditton Junior School, we provide a range of activities to develop the children’s skills in designing and making products, whilst simultaneously ensuring they build confidence in using a range of tools and materials safely.
Each year group undertakes at least two projects within the academic year, which are linked to the wider curriculum wherever possible. Concepts learned in science lessons will often provide the basis of the knowledge and understanding to make a product work, whilst learning in humanities or art will influence the aesthetics or purpose of the design. Children learn the complete design process, beginning with researching and creating ideas through to manufacturing a product and evaluating it, whilst carrying out learning in the three key areas of woodwork, textiles and food technology.
The children also have the opportunity to research healthy and nutritious food and make recipes as a result of what they have learned; such as cooking healthy pizza and making rainforest smoothies. Food is an integral part of Design and Technology, including tasting foods from different cultures and designing packaging in order to sell food they have made.