Design Technology – Godmanchester Community Academy

Why is DT important?
Our DT curriculum provides pupils with  the technical  knowledge  to  design,  make  and evaluate technical, construction, textile, and food products.   This knowledge enables pupils to create a range of functional and appealing products within a range of relevant contexts for identified audiences.
How is organised?
Technical	Construction	Textile	Food
Knowledge of moving parts and electrical components	Knowledge of cutting, joining and strengthening techniques	Knowledge of different materials, and sewing and weaving techniques.	Knowledge of food hygiene, nutrition, healthy eating, seasonality, affordability and cook techniques.
What is taught and in what order?
Technical	Construction	Textile	Food
Pinwheels (axel)  - Yr1 Moving Pictures (levers and linkages)*  -Yr3 Games with Electrical Components   (series circuits, switches, buzzers, bulbs, motors)*  – Yr4 Propelled Boats* (rubber bands – motion)   – Yr5	Viking carts (wheel and axel)*  – Yr2 Morrison Shelters* (cutting and joining wood, strengthen corners) – Yr 6	Junk Modelling  -EYFS Roman Shields*  – Yr1 Weaving Recycled Materials   – Yr2 Hand Puppets   – Yr3 African Batik  – Yr4 Woven Bag   – Yr 5 Eco Fashion – Yr6	Tasting Healthy Food  – EYFS Healthy Wraps (grate, slice, chop)  – Yr1 Soup (chop, peel)  – Yr2 Pizza and Dough (grate, slice, chop, knead)  – Yr3 Potatoes (grate, slice, chop, peel, mash)  – Yr4 Indian Food (grate, slice, chop, peel, knead, mash)   – Yr5
* denotes a unit which links two or more strands.
What will this include? What will I see in a lesson?
Designing Using criteria to design functional and appealing products for themselves and/or an identified audience Producing mock-ups, prototypes, patterned pieces and annotated sketches Generating, developing, model and communicate ideas Making Using a range of tools and equipment Using a wide range of material and components (construction materials, textile and ingredients/food groups) Evaluating Exploring and evaluating existing products Evaluating ideas and final pieces (including tasting) against design criteria Considering others’ views in making improvements Technical Knowledge Exploring how products can be made stronger, stiffer, and more stable (choice of materials, axel holders, corners, joints) Exploring and using mechanisms Understanding and using electrical systems Understanding and using food preparation and cooking techniques