All Modules 19-Design and Technology - Module 4 | Page 4

4

Design and Technology
Letter to parents
Dear parents,
This month we introduce the topic Design and Technology in a creative and provocative way!
A key characteristic of our VESS curriculum is that we aim to develop topics that directly connect to
real life experiences. As it is very obvious, Design and Technology impacts our daily lives. Children
can use technology to actively participate in activities in a variety of subject areas, including language
arts, math, science, art and social studies. Incorporating technology into the classroom with any of
these subjects is a significant way to begin the technological journey and enhance children’s
understanding that we use tools to solve problems. The design process is essential to the development
and understanding of technology, and children will be exposed to rich variety of strategies. Designing
uses imagination, creativity, risk-taking and problem-solving to investigate, plan, generate, synthesise
and realise ideas. The target might be to design and produce a completely new technology but it may
also mean making an existing product, process or system improved!
In design and technology children will have the opportunity to combine practical and
technological skills with creative thinking to design and make products and systems that meet human
needs. Children will be encouraged to use present technologies and consider the effect of future
technological developments. Our role as teachers is to help them think creatively and intervene to
improve the quality of life, solving problems not only as individuals but also as members of a team.
Working in stimulating contexts that offer an array of opportunities and draw on the ethos, community
and the world, children will identify needs and opportunities. Children will be encouraged to respond
with ideas, products and systems.
Our general goal is to assist children to combine practical and intellectual skills with an
understanding of aesthetic, technical, cultural, health, social, emotional, and environmental concerns.
Undoubtedly, through this monthly journey children will develop confidence in using practical skills