Abbeymead Primary School
Design and Technology at Abbeymead
Design and Technology Curriculum
We follow the Primary National Curriculum for Design and Technology in England.
At Abbeymead, we are firm believers that D&T should be an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. At our school, children will be taught how to use their imaginations to design and make products, which solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts considering the needs and wants of the intended audience. Our curriculum requires a broad range of knowledge drawn from other subjects such as mathematics, science, computing and art. The introduction and use of ‘Learning Pathways’ and ‘Key Concepts’ allows our children to fully understand their learning journey throughout each Year group and make connections with other subjects as well as their own life experiences.
D&T helps children to learn how to take risks, become resourceful, innovative as well as promoting enterprising opportunities. At Abbeymead, we help to inspire future designers by looking a diverse range of ‘Key People’.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
Design and Technology is found in different Early Learning Goals. The children in EYFS will develop their fine motor skills and expressive art and design whilst they explore food and mechanical elements of D&T.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)
As children become more explorative designers in Key Stage 1, they begin to build upon their knowledge, skills and understanding of D&T in everyday lives. Teachers are more free to choose how to incorporate food, mechanical, textiles and woodwork into their curriculum, linking to individual year group topics.
Key Stage 2 (Year 3 to 6)
At Key Stage 2, children continue to develop their knowledge and skills in D&T, becoming more independent designers and using more complex skills. STEM work shops are used in Year 3 and 5 to inspire children with real life technology. In Key Stage 2, children explore the following areas of D&T:
- Food and Seasonality
- Mechanical
- Electronics
- Textiles
- Woodwork
- Knowledge based units
How can I support my child at home?
At home, there are several different ways you can support your child with Design and Technology. These can be things such as planning and cooking the evening meal or making models with a function or purpose.
Start to work towards the school's Ready for Life Awards. The awards encourage our children to take part in a range of activities and to develop a healthier lifestyle.
There are number of different museums and events in the local area and beyond that support D&T thinking.
Cardiff Techniquest: https://www.techniquest.org/
Stratford Park Museum: https://museuminthepark.org.uk/
Gloucestershire Steam Railway: https://www.gwsr.com/
Further Support and Useful websites
EYFS
Oak National Academy - https://classroom.thenational.academy/units/healthy-eating-30d4
Key Stage 1
BBC Bitesize (KS1) https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks1-design-and-technology/zfycmfr
Oak National Academy - https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/key-stage-1/subjects/design-technology
Key Stage 2
BBC Bitesize (KS2) https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/ks2-design-and-technology/zvb8hbk
Oak National Academy - https://classroom.thenational.academy/subjects-by-key-stage/key-stage-2/subjects/design-technology