Intent At Rattleden School, we believe that design and technology teaches children the essential life skill of creative and reflective problem solving. The children learn to respond to a wide variety of engaging challenges through combining their knowledge and understanding with developing their designing and making skills. Skills are taught progressively to ensure that all children are able to learn and practice in order to develop as they move through the school. The key skill of evaluation is an integral part of the design process and allows children to adapt and improve their work. D&T allows children to apply the knowledge and skills learned in other subjects, particularly Maths, Science and Art. Children’s interests are captured through themed learning, ensuring that links are made in a cross curricular way, giving children motivation and meaning for their learning. Implementation D&T is usually taught in in short blocks. We teach the National Curriculum, supported by a clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. All teaching of DT follows the design, make and evaluate cycle. The design process should be rooted in real life, relevant contexts to give meaning to learning. Children learn to evaluate their own products against design criteria. Each step of the design process should be rooted in technical knowledge and vocabulary. Impact Through involvement with the design process we hope that the children will develop: ∙ An excellent attitude to learning and the ability to use time efficiently. ∙ The ability to independently work constructively and productively as well as with others. ∙ The ability to research, show initiative and ask questions to support their problem solving. ∙ The ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, carefully and safely. ∙ A knowledge of tools, equipment and material. ∙ The ability to apply mathematical knowledge and skills accurately. ∙ A passion for the subject.