Design and Technology
Introduction to Design and Technology
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject that teachers at Bretherton School innovate and explore with aplomb! We start each topic with 3 simple statements - that Design is creating Something for Somebody with Some Purpose. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative and enterprising citizens.Through the evaluation of past and present Design and Technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation. (National Curriculum 2014)
At Bretherton School we utilise the Design and Technology Association's Projects on a Page planning to ensure a wide coverage of excellent Design & Technology opportunities for all classes. Early Years pupils have a number of creative continuous provision activities in class to ensure their love for design and creating starts at the very outset of their school experience. This begins a journey of purposeful design processes, trial and error, re-visiting and evaluating throughout each project, providing pupils with the resilence to try, try and try again! We are always excited to explore each process of design with pupils and enjoy understanding the need for useful products that serve a purpose in everyday life.
Since last academic year we have had the exciting addition of a Flashforge 3D Printer at Bretherton, which has hugely enhanced our Computer Aided Design throughout school and has been incorporated into the Art and Design curriculum already for Class 2.
Our Action Plan will be reviewed over a 2 year period in order to ensure coverage throughout our Cycle A and Cycle B curriculum. Our focus for 2024/2026 will be:
· Top up 3D Printer staff CPD training to include new digital enhancements.
· Woodwork and/or 3D Printer after school clubs to be run with a view to introducing them as topics to the curriculum in future.
· Binka and needles to be provided to EYFS and Year 1 for simple sewing skills practise in Continuous Provision.