At Lantern Primary and Nursery we follow the National Curriculum expectations for Design and Technology. We have utilised the Primary DT scheme of work to produce our sequences of learning. This uses a small, stepped approach to teaching the concepts around plan, design, make and evaluate. Progression maps ensure children’s skills and knowledge is built upon as they progress through the academy. Our Design and Technology topics are taught bi-half termly through the five key areas: structures and construction, textiles, mechanics, electrics and cooking and nutrition.

Children have the chance to access learning through a variety of creative and practical activities. This enables them to build on the taught knowledge and skills needed so they become proficient in designing and making.

Through design, children have opportunities to research design criteria and make decisions about the function and appeal of a product so that they understand who their target audience is and ensure that it is fit for purpose. Furthermore, children generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches and diagrams as well as look at and create prototypes, pattern pieces and also use design packages on computers.

During making lessons, the children make individualised decisions about the tools and equipment they believe would be best to use when performing the practical tasks. Skills such as cutting, shaping, joining and finishing are developed so children become more accurate in these areas. Opportunities to make decisions on the materials and components they want to use are made and children base these decisions on their functional properties and the aesthetic qualities of the resources.

Using technical knowledge, children apply their understanding on how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce structures, understand and use electrical systems in the products children produce and know about the importance of healthy eating, different food groups, farming and sustainability.

Through evaluation children use market research to investigate and analyse a range of products already in existence, they also have the chance to evaluate their own ideas and products produced against their design criteria. Children review each other’s designs and listen and respond to the opinions of their peers about how to improve their work further. In this section of the sequence, children may also look at key events and individuals whose designs have shaped the world we live in today.