Design and Technology at Watchfield 

At Watchfield the intention is that children will have hands on, practical experience of designing, making and evaluating products in their Design Technology lessons. Children will use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, from a range of contexts whilst considering their own and others’ needs, wants, interests and opinions. They will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and apply learning from other areas such as maths, science and art. Children are encouraged to develop resilience and understand that risk taking is part of the design process, becoming resourceful and innovative learners. They will develop a critical understanding of the impact of Design Technology on daily life and the wider world through the evaluation of past and present designs. 

We use the Kapow Scheme of Work, adapted to meet the needs of our learners. 

Progression is broken down into six key areas:

• Cooking and nutrition: discovering where food comes from; creating a balanced diet; following kitchen hygiene and safety; developing preparation and cooking skills; following a recipe. 
• Mechanisms: using cams, followers, levers and sliders to mimic natural movements.
• Structures: learning about the properties of materials; improving a structure’s strength and stability; reinforcing structures.
• Textiles: using fabric techniques to fasten, sew and decorate.
• Electrical systems: creating electrical products using series circuits, circuit components, circuit diagrams and symbols.
• Digital world: programming products to perform tasks; developing 2D and 3D designs and models using CAD software.