Design and Technology
Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works
Steve Jobs
Vision
Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. They acquire a broad range of skills, experiences and subject knowledge.
What do the children learn and when?
Please click the image to see our progression map.
How do we teach design and technology?
At Penwortham Primary we teach D&T by making links with other subjects and by giving children briefs with real-world problems. Lessons develop children's skills and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials, including food. It encourages children's creativity and encourages them to think about important issues.
Our teaching follows a five phase sequence always starting with what we have coined as DICE - Deconstruct, Investigate, Compare & Evaluate. Evaluation is something we encourage throughout the process. A D&T project can take anything from 1 to 10 lessons to complete. The 5 phases are shown below:
Phase 1 (DICE & Brief), children are given the brief and shown examples of similar products. They are then encouraged to pull this product apart; deconstruct, investigate what it is made of and compare it with other similar products all the while ensuring they evaluate as they go.
Phase 2 - technical skills involves children being exposed to or planning which of these skills they may need to meet the brief. Will they need to join two materials? How will they do this? Should they use glue or nails for example? Is that particular glue strong enough? Does it need to be waterproof? They will have opportunities to experiment with and practice using these technical skills before deciding on which one (or two) is best to meet the brief. Skills are taught in progression and built upon every year. Children are encouraged to think back on skills previously learnt and adapt them for their next project. Where else could they use these skills in ‘real life’?
Phase 3 - design! Sketch books are used to tinker with ideas, draw up prototypes, stick in colour swatches, add detail and design the final product. And finally…
Phase 4 - make. The final product is now in production!
Phase 5 - evaluate - Does the product meet the brief? Would you do anything differently? What worked? What didn't work?
To further deepen and expand the learning, children have access to a range of texts that complement DT topics and support the art curriculum; examples include: picture books, stories and non-fiction to support learning within our DT curriculum.
Our learning: structures
Children explore the world of structures through hands-on projects like playground rides, photo frames and night light, using everyday materials. They learn key principles of stability, force, and pressure while experimenting with shapes and materials to solve design challenges.
Year 1 inventors designed and created an enchanting playground masterpiece for their friends to enjoy endless hours of imaginary role-play!
Year 3 designers created beautiful and unique photo frames.
Year 5 engineers designed and built an exhilarating fairground ride!
Our learning: textiles
Children explore textiles through fun, hands-on projects like designing and creating their own fabric items. They learn key skills such as stitching, weaving, and pattern-making while experimenting with colours, textures, and materials.
Meet our creative Year 2 designers, who have crafted an adorable glove puppet that sparks imagination and storytelling!
Our talented Year 4 designers who have created practical and stylish pencil cases!
Year 5 students have brilliantly designed and created their own version of the classic Tamagotchi toy!
Our Learning: mechanical systems
Children discover the exciting world of mechanical systems through projects like Fairground Rides, Robo Wars, Pop- up-books, and Moving Vehicles. They learn how moving parts work together to create motion, exploring concepts like force, movement, and mechanisms.
Year 2 inventors designed and built an impressive moving vehicle!
Year 3 creators designed and crafted a captivating pop-up book that brings stories to life with stunning three-dimensional scenes! This project showcases their impressive skills in measuring, marking out, cutting, joining, and finishing.
Our learning: electrical systems
From Years 4-6 students explore the fascinating world of electrical systems through projects like creating circuits, lighting up LEDs, and designing buzzers.
Year 4 students have designed and crafted a charming Nightlight!
Year 6 students have electrified the school with their innovative game creation!
Our learning: computing systems
Children explore computing systems by designing and programming simple projects like interactive models or digital displays. They learn how hardware and software work together, experimenting with inputs, outputs, and basic coding.
Prepare for an epic showdown as Year 6 students unleash their mechanical mastery with their creation of "Robo Wars"!
Our learning: cooking and nutrition
Children explore cooking and nutrition through fun, hands-on lessons where they prepare simple, healthy dishes. They learn about the importance of balanced diets, food safety, and the nutritional value of different ingredients.
What children say about DT at Penwortham
Staff Leads: Miss Bedeau and Mrs Khan
Pupil Leads: Stephanie and Nancy
