Intent

We live in an ever-changing world, fuelled by technology and innovation. The study of design technology teaches children to think outside the box, to develop their own ideas and to respond to identified needs and opportunities, preparing them for life in the world of tomorrow. It gives children the chance to work through a creative process that is more structured and action-orientated; making or adapting existing products and systems.

‘Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.’

Steve Jobs

At Thomas Jones, we aim to equip our pupils with both the creative and investigative skills they need to excel across the primary curriculum and beyond. The transferable skills they are taught in design technology marry closely with their learning in history, science, mathematics and art, and open up a wealth of opportunities for pupils to have future careers in engineering, architecture, culinary practices and product design, among others.

Children are taught how to problem solve, and will work creatively on shared projects to solve a specific brief, where they will organise, delegate and implement their collective ideas. We encourage children to ask questions and seek answers through practical exploration, thus becoming more resourceful and inquisitive.   

The teaching of design technology at Thomas Jones also promotes the fundamental British values, reflecting the school’s learning ethos. Our curriculum offers bountiful opportunities to support children in understanding the importance of safety rules when using tools; learning to accept that the ideas of others may not be the same as their own but are equally valid; taking the views and opinions of others into account but still having the right to make their own choices; taking turns during discussions, resolving difficulties or making decisions, and understanding that many great design ideas originate from other cultures.

Visits to high-quality museums and centres of learning, such as The Design Museum in Kensington, aim to inspire children and broaden their understanding of the design process and the important role that design plays in all of our lives. Practical workshops are led by product designers at the museums/centres, and visitor-led workshops are also held at school.