Design and Technology

Subject Coordinator - Mrs L Horan

I am Mrs Horan, DT subject coordinator at Mablethorpe primary academy. I strongly
believe that Design and Technology contributes significantly to a pupil’s ‘rounded’
development. Design and technology has an ability to be linked throughout the curriculum
as a cross-curricular approach and we do not under-estimate its importance. I am
extremely excited to see the impact of DT in the classroom and look forward to sharing
the children’s projects with you.
With a ‘Design, Make and Evaluate’ approach, we believe in equipping children with the
product knowledge, creativity and skills needed for an ever-evolving society.
We consider the work of craftspeople, designers and architects within real-life contexts.
Children gain an understanding of products for the needs of others, themselves and for the
future. Our project-based curriculum also considers global and local influences for food
sources, design and functionality in everyday life.
The Design and technology National curriculum outlines the three main stages of the
design process: design, make and evaluate. Each stage of the design process is underpinned
by technical knowledge which encompasses the contextual, historical, and technical
understanding required for each strand. Cooking and nutrition* has a separate section,
with a focus on specific principles, skills and techniques in food, including where food
comes from, diet and seasonality.
The National curriculum organises the Design and technology attainment targets under
five subheadings or strands:

• Design
• Make
• Evaluate
• Technical Knowledge
• Cooking and Nutrition

At Mablethorpe Primary Academy there is a clear progression of skills and knowledge.
within these five strands across each year group.
The Curriculum overview shows which of our units cover each of the National Curriculum
Attainment targets as well as each of the five strands.
Our progression of skills shows the skills that are taught within each year group and how
these skills develop to ensure that attainment targets are securely met by the end of each
Key stage. Pupils respond to design briefs and scenarios that require consideration of the
needs of others, developing their skills in six key areas:

• Mechanisms
• Structures
• Textiles
• Cooking and Nutrition (Food)
• Electrical Systems (KS2) and
• Digital World (KS2)

Each of the key areas follows the design process (design, make and evaluate) and has a
particular theme and focus from the technical knowledge or cooking and nutrition section
of the curriculum.

Subject Intent Statements:

Design & Technology

Design and Technology at Mablethorpe Primary Academy enables the Mablethorpe Child to identify and solve real and relevant problems in a variety of contexts. Children are given opportunities to investigate challenges in projects which are relevant to their lives and prospects in the surrounding area. Strong, purposeful links are made across the curriculum with the skills and principles of Design and Technology remaining the centre focus. We aim to harness and develop children’s imagination and creativity through fascinating, challenging projects ultimately preparing them to become the designers, engineers, and inventors of the future.

Design & Technology for our children

Design and Technology helps me to invent, innovate and enterprise for the future.