Design and Technology involves two important elements - learning about the designed and made world and how things work, and learning to design and make functional products for particular purposes and users.

Children acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of materials and components, mechanisms and control systems, structures, existing products, quality and health and safety.

The skills learned in D&T also help with learning across the curriculum. Knowledge about the properties of materials helps in Science and the practice of measuring accurately helps in Maths. These skills help in Computing through the children’s use of computer control and, naturally, in Art and Design.

Design and Technology 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.

As part of their work with food, pupils are taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.

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'.