Children’s discovery of the world of Design begins in the Early Years where they are provided with regular opportunities to safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function. Children are encouraged to be imaginative and use what they have learnt about media and materials to represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings in original ways through design and technology.
Throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, Design and Technology education helps develop children’s skills through collaborative working and problem solving, and knowledge in design, materials, structures, mechanisms and electrical control. They are encouraged to be creative and innovative and are actively encouraged to think about important issues such as sustainability and enterprise.
There are three core activities children engage with in Design and Technology:
- Activities which involve investigating and evaluating existing products;
- Focused tasks in which children develop particular aspects of knowledge and skills;
- Designing and making activities in which children design and make 'something' for 'somebody' for 'some purpose'.
Teachers ensure these three activities are combined in sequence when planning a Design and Technology project. Design and Technology lessons are taught with a mixture of short, focused tasks and a longer block of time to allow children to become immersed in the making and evaluation of their products.
