Meridian Primary School Design and Technology

Learning for life, striving for excellence!

Confidence             Courtesy             Responsibility            Adventure

Design and technology is an inspiring, creative and practical subject. At Meridian, pupils design and make products that solve real problems within a variety of contexts, considering the needs of the situation and analysing how effective their designs are. We teach a broad range of subject knowledge, but also link strongly with other subjects such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Our pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative problem-solvers who adapt when faced with challenges and don’t give up on their goals.

Aims

Our curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils: 

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world 
• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users 
• critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others 
• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

Subject content

Over the course of KS1 & 2, children will engage in many projects linked to each term’s topic, such as finger-knitting winter scarves, planning and making food suitable for an Antarctic expedition, weaving place mats as well as learning about the mechanics of electronically powered vehicles, designing and making Christmas decorations that light up and preparing food for a Jubilee celebration.

Pupils at Meridian will:

• design products based on specific criteria (initially provided for them but increasingly decided for themselves), and make models and sketches to show their designs. They also explain their designs to others and give feedback to help each other improve.
• make products based on their designs, using a wide range of tools, increasing in accuracy and choosing the best materials available to them to create their products. Pupils are encouraged to adapt their plans and designs as they gain a greater understanding of what works well and ways to improve.
• evaluate both existing products and their own based on the design criteria, considering the views of others to improve. Pupils also learn about how advances in technology have impacted our country and the world, both recently and throughout history.
• learn new technical skills to build, strengthen and reinforce simple and complex structures, explore and use mechanical systems and, in Key Stage 2, use electrical systems and ICT to monitor and control their products.
• learn key principles of cooking, including an understanding of a healthy and balanced diet and where food comes from. Children will learn how to prepare a variety of dishes using a range of techniques safely, and understand the principles of food hygiene.