Design & Technology

Within Design and Technology at Portway Junior School we believe that pupils should gain a knowledge and understanding of materials, components, controls and structures. This is developed by encouraging them to use focused, practical tasks to develop skills, techniques and knowledge particularly those related to tools and materials. There are three components to this area of the curriculum:

•  Designing, creating and making with food (cooking)
•  Designing, creating and making in wood/cardboard etc (woodwork)
•  Designing, creating and making with textiles (sewing)

Each Year group provides a range of Design & Technology activities which will develop each individual child's confidence when formulating their original ideas. These include making jewellery and chariots in Year 3 linked to work on the Romans, and creating healthy sandwiches connected to their Science topic.

Making puppets, pop-up cards and books, and fruit cocktail smoothies in Year 4 form the three components also linked to other curriculum areas.

During Year 5 the children work on a massive D.T project in conjunction with Stannah Stairlifts Ltd. The topic of this is decided on an annual basis and is always planned to coincide with National Science and Engineering Week. This involves working alongside experts from the company who share their knowledge and develop pupil ideas to a higher level. The 2011 project is centred around designing and building a robot that will meet the communication needs of our local community.

In Year 6 pupils develop their skills further and particularly enjoy making, tasting and evaluating fondant creams!

At Portway we believe Design & Technology is an integral part of the curriculum and that every child is given equal opportunity to develop the relevant skills, regardless of ability, gender, race, or cultural background. We are proud of the opportunities we are able to offer our pupils and are proud of their innovative plans and ideas.