"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work" - Thomas Edison
At St Margaret’s C of E Primary School, we aim to inspire creativity and imagination, giving children opportunities to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. Our ambitious and inclusive Design and Technology (DT) curriculum encourages pupils to consider their own and others’ needs, develop practical skills and understand how design can improve everyday life.
Through carefully planned learning from EYFS to Year 6, children build on their previous knowledge and develop their skills in designing, making and evaluating products. They explore a range of materials, structures, mechanisms, electrical systems and food, learning how to select appropriate tools and techniques to create products for a particular purpose.
Creativity, problem-solving and learning from mistakes are at the heart of our DT curriculum. Children are encouraged to explore ideas, test their designs, overcome challenges and evaluate their finished products. They learn that making mistakes is an important part of the design process and that improvements can lead to better outcomes.
Our DT curriculum reflects our school vision: “With God’s help we: Flourish in all we do; Achieve whatever we set our minds to; Believe we are all unique and valued.” Through practical, creative experiences, children develop confidence, resilience and independence while learning to appreciate different ideas and approaches.
Our ambition is for every child to leave St Margaret’s as a creative, resourceful and confident designer, equipped with the practical skills, technical knowledge and problem-solving abilities to turn their ideas into reality.
For further information about our Design and Technology curriculum, please contact Mr Powell, our DT subject leader.
| EYFS | Children explore different materials, such as cardboard and boxes, to design, build and create models. They develop their creativity, learn to join materials and solve simple problems through play. |
| Year 1 | Mechanisms: Can I make a matching slider game? Textiles: Can I design and make a puppet? Cooking and nutrition: Can I research different food groups and make my own healthy smoothie? |
| Year 2 | Mechanisms: Can I make a moving monster? Structures: Can I design and make a baby bear chair? Cooking and nutrition: Can I research what a balanced diet is and make my own healthy wrap? |
| Year 3 | Textiles: Can I design and sew a penguin cushion? Mechanical systems: Can I design and create my own pnumatic toy? Cooking and nutrition: Can I research what seasonal foods are and use them to create my own seasonal tart? |
| Year 4 | Electrical systems: Can I design and make my own torch? Textiles: Can I design and make my own Mayan cross-stitch/fastener? Cooking and nutrition: Can I adapt a recipe? |
| Year 5 | Structures: Can I design and make a strong bridge? Textiles: Can I design and make a stuffed toy? Cooking and nutrition: Can I develop a recipe? |
| Year 6 | Digital world: Can I design my own CAD model and pitch to 'sell' my product? Textiles: Can I design and sew my own bag? Cooking and nutrition: Can I develop and prepare a three-course meal? (Group activity) |
Useful links
The Artful Parent
https://artfulparent.com/kids-arts-crafts-activities-500-fun-artful-things-kids/
You can access over 500 arts and crafts activities, including painting, sculptures and printmaking. This site gives you ideas of what Art supplies to provide for you child in order to create and make different things.
Art for Kids hub
https://www.artforkidshub.com/
You can watch step by step videos on how to draw different things, origami for children, how to paint, holiday and celebratory art projects and projects related to the Seasons. It also gives you a list of the resources you will need before completing each art project.
Land Art for Kids
http://www.landartforkids.com/
A website which gives you ideas on how to collect natural resources to produce different forms of Art.
Tate Kids-The Best Art Website for Kids
https://www.tate.org.uk/kids?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu8WF6J_C6QIVVeDtCh04qwjXEAAYAiAAEgKMGPD_BwE
Kids can follow instructions to make different things, play art games and quizzes and explore and read about the work of well-known artists.
BBC Bitesize Art and Design
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z8tnvcw
You can watch class clips on famous artists, techniques and how to create different things.
Web-based resources for Design & Technology
1. CyberChase (PBS Kids)
Join the cybersquad. Good guys only, please. PBS Kids show CyberChase offers a range of online resources for future CISOs, including activities and games geared toward learning math, code, and similar concepts.
2. NASA Kids Club
Want to build a rocket? Have at it -- and plenty of other space-related projects and activities -- with the NASA Kids Club.
3. Code.org
Backed by some of the biggest names in tech, Code.org's stated mission is to grow computer science learning by fostering its inclusion in school curriculums. In addition to its Hour of Code series, the site also features an Intro to Computer Science course for K-8, programming tutorials in languages such as Python and JavaScript, mobile app development activities, and other resources.
4. TechRocket
TechRocket's courses for coding, game design, and graphic design are built on the premise that "you're never too young to learn STEM skills." This site includes a heavy focus on building mobile apps and games, from iOS development to Minecraft mods.
5. Engineering, Go For It (eGFI)
Created by the American Society for Engineering Education, eGFI's aim is to foster educational and pre-professional interest in engineering and other STEM subjects from kindergarten through high school. In addition to information on the myriad branches of the engineering field -- from biomedical to computer to mechanical and beyond -- the site features descriptions of professional paths for each, including profiles of real people at work in the field.