At King Richard III Infant and Nursery School, we want all children to be curious, creative, and full of ideas. In Design and Technology (D&T), children learn how to design, make, and evaluate different things. We help them think carefully, solve problems, and work well with others. Our aim is for children to feel confident and excited about learning and creating.
We want every child to try their best and aim high in their learning. We encourage them to ask questions and build strong knowledge and skills. Children are given the chance to plan and make different products, and they also learn how to talk about and improve their own work and the work of others.
In the Early Years, which includes Nursery and Reception, children learn through play and hands-on activities. They use a variety of materials both indoors and outdoors, such as building blocks and recycled items. Adults support them by teaching useful words and helping them practise skills like cutting and joining. Children begin to understand how things are made and how they can change or fix them if needed.
In Key Stage 1, which includes Years 1 and 2, children take part in four Design and Technology projects each year. These projects are taught in blocks, so children can focus on one at a time. Some examples of projects include making moving pictures using sliders and levers, building bridges to see which one can hold the most weight, and making healthy pizzas to practise cooking skills. Teachers help children remember what they learned before, so they can build on their knowledge and skills each year.
For children with special educational needs (SEND), we make sure Design and Technology lessons are adapted to meet their individual needs. This might include giving extra help, using special tools, changing the task to make it easier, using pictures, or working in groups.
By the time children leave our school, they will have the experience, knowledge, and skills to design, make, and improve their own creations. We want them to feel proud of what they have made and to be excited about learning more in the future. Our goal is to inspire children to become the designers, builders, and engineers of tomorrow.