Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
And the aims for design and technology are to ensure that:
‘all pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world; build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users; critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others; understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. Once the importance statements have been revisited, it is helpful for subject leaders and co-ordinators to discuss and agree with colleagues, the reason why their subject, in this case design and technology, is important for the pupils in their school. One way of doing this, is to draw on a quote, in this case from Stephen Gardiner, ‘Good buildings come from good people, and all problems are solved by good design.’