Design and Technology

At Heathland, we believe that design and technology helps to develop the skills children need in the world. The subject encourages children to become creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. Teachers inspire their pupils to develop their investigating, designing, making and evaluating skills by thinking creatively.

Engineering

The engineering element of our design and technology curriculum asks children to design solutions for real-world problems. This allows our pupils to develop curiosity, creativity, organisation and logic. Engineering covers a number of disciplines, including resistant materials, food technology, textiles, and graphic design. We place an emphasis on the design element of engineering, and expect pupils to plan their projects carefully, analysing existing products (including disassembly), creating prototypes and creating detailed designs. Each project enables pupils to create a quality product which they are then able to evaluate. This is done through topic learning as well as each class doing a project during STEAM fortnight as a class to further develop the ability to think like an engineer.

Food Technology

At Heathland, pupils also get the chance to develop their understanding and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook in our kitchen facility. 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 a healthy meal now and in later life. By the end of Year 6, children will be able to understand where food comes from, understand the principles of a healthy diet and create a variety of dishes while following health and safety guidelines.