Why is the teaching of design technology important for Roydon's pupils?

Design technology is important because it nurtures essential skills like problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. It encourages pupils to explore, design and create, fostering a hands-on approach to learning. Additionally, it promotes collaboration, communication, and adaptability - skills vital for success in a rapidly evolving world. Integrating design technology at the primary levels lays a foundation for future STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) engagement and helps pupils develop a holistic understanding of the world around them.

Cooking Skills By Key Stage

Cooking Skills Early Years broadly cover:

• Weighing and measuring – measure using spoons
• Cutting skills: use a table knife to cut soft foods eg strawberries
• Mixing: combine small amounts of cold ingredients in bowl, eg fruit salad
• Shaping and assembling: use hands to shape dough in to simple shapes
• Heating: preparing food for cooking eg cakes cases in a bun tray
• Serving and garnishing: spoon cold food on to a plate
• Food safety: take part in simple clearing up tasks eg clearing and cleaning tables
• Recipes and ingredients: recognise familiar foods

Cooking Skills KS1 broadly cover:

• Weighing and measuring – use measuring spoons for liquids, solids and dry ingredients
• Cutting skills: use a serrated knife to cut soft foods eg tomato
• Shaping and assembling: use hands to shape dough in to small ball shapes
• Serving and garnishing: lightly sprinkle garnish on cold food
• Food safety: take part in simple clearing up tasks eg clearing and cleaning tables
• Recipes and ingredients: follow simple recipes instructions eg using picture
   

Cooking Skills lower KS2 broadly cover:

• Weighing and measuring – use digital scales and measuring jugs
• Shaping and assembling: knead and shaping dough into aesthetically pleasing products – eg bread rolls
• Heating: begin to use a toaster and microwave
• Serving and garnishing: begin to understand appropriate portion sizes
• Food safety: know how to get ready to cook
• Recipes and ingredients: recognise and name a broad range of ingredients

Cooking Skills upper KS2 broadly cover:

• Weighing and measuring – accurately use scales and measuring jugs
• Serving and garnishing: are able to plan and serve their own breakfast and a simple balanced cooked meal eg salad
• Food safety: demonstrate good safety practices
• Recipes and ingredients: identify how to change a recipe to improve a dish
• Consumer awareness: are able to use food labels to inform choice