Design & Technology

Design and Technology enables practical problem solving, whilst drawing on subject knowledge from mathematics, science, computing and art. At Rowlatts Mead Primary our design and technology curriculum links heavily to our Dragons Den competition where pupils in years 2-5 become budding entrepreneurs; creating a solution to a problem by designing, making and conducting market research. They then pitch their ideas to a panel of judges allowing them to evaluate and improve their product.

In all year groups Design opportunities are created through topic links which allow pupils to design and make using a wide range of materials and components.  Our children are taught to apply prior knowledge in order to evaluate their own and others products.

Design and technology is also encouraged through homework competitions in order to engage parents.

Cooking and nutrition is a fundamental part of the curriculum, as we want to instill a love of healthy eating and cooking at Rowlatts Mead Primary. Our pupils are encouraged to eat healthy options during lunch and each year group prepare dishes as part of their topic.

In addition, for enrichment we have a yearly cookery club and ‘Bake off’ competition to improve pupils team work and confidence.

Subject Policies/Plans

Subject Leader/s

Mrs S Webb

Impact

All year groups take part in the Rowlatts Hill Bake Off competition where pupils work collaboratively to research and create a cake. This year the bakers had to incorporate fruit or vegetables whilst gaining an awareness of ingredients, recipe, method, baking and decorating in a constructive but competitive way. The winners were Year 2 with their delicious lemon and courgette cake.

As part of topic year groups 2 – 5 take part in a Dragons Den competition where our pupils are encouraged to become young entrepreneurs. In class pupils research everyday problems in order to create a unique solution, they then create a product and conduct market research. Pupils gain awareness of business skills such as advertising, marketing, financial management and presenting as well as developing their speaking and interview skills. This year the winner was year 4 with the Bluetooth Toothbrush.

Year 1 have made dinosaur fossils using plaster of paris. The pupils first created a mould using plastic toy dinosaurs and sand. They then poured the mixture into the mould and waited two days before they could be excavated.