' Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you look deeper, it's how it works.'
Steve Jobs
The key aim of our Design and Technology curriculum is for our pupils to think innovatively and inquisitively when designing and creating a product that is fit for a specific purpose.
At HJS, one week in every term, in every year group, is devoted to teaching our design and Technology units, as this allows children to clearly see the design process from start to finish. We have found that this highly concentrated week allows learning to be sharply focused, producing better results than spreading a DT task over a lengthier period.
Throughout the four years at HJS pupils will study these units:
structures;
textiles;
electrical systems;
mechanical systems;
cooking and nutrition. (This is taught in all years)
Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils will be taught the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the developmental process of designing and making. All pupils will develop their skills in the following areas:
Design
Use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose;
Generate, develop and communicate ideas through discussion, sketches and prototypes.
Make
Select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing);
Select from and use a wide range of materials and components according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities.
Evaluate
Evaluate their ideas and products and consider the views of others on how to improve their work.
Cooking and Nutrition
Understand and apply the principles of a healthy and varied diet;
Prepare and cook a variety of predominantly savoury dishes using a range of cooking techniques;
Understand seasonality and understand where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed.
' Technology makes possibilities. Design makes solutions.'
John Maeda
COVID 19 Update.
To mitigate the spread of COVID 19 virus some elements of Design Technology work may need to be amended in 2020-21 until local conditions and national guidelines change. This is particularly applicable to work planned in cooking and nutrition.
