How Do We Teach Design & Technology At East Coker School?

At East Coker School we follow the National Curriculum for Design & Technology. To support with delivering the knowledge based curriculum we use the Design & Technology Association Projects on a Page scheme and adapt this to meet the needs of our pupils.

Our pupils use creativity and imagination in designing and making products that solve real problems and have real functions. Pupils are taught to explore existing products  and then to design purposeful products for themselves or others. Pupils make products using a range of tools, equipment, components and ingredients while developing their technical knowledge of structures, mechanisms and electrical systems.

Our D&T curriculum focuses on 3 main areas:

-Cooking and nutrition

-Textiles 

-Mechanics

Within these areas, pupils will create many products, including :

-sweet and savoury kebabs, scones, breads and smoothies

-glove puppets, pencil cases, soft toys and mobile phone cases

-pneumatics 'moving monsters' with working lights, toy vehicles, money boxes and 'moving' books'

While we mostly focus on a knowledge based curriculum, there is also a clear progression of skills. In addition to this we have a repeated programme of learning to ensure children's knowledge is constantly built upon and developed. This includes a strong focus on children’s individual D&T work in their folders and a sound understanding of key vocabulary.

'High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.'-

DfE D&T KS1&2 National Curriculum 2013