Design and Technology

Intent

Our design technology curriculum promotes curiosity and a love and thirst for learning. It is ambitious and empowers our children to become independent and resilient. We offer our children a broad and balanced DT curriculum, providing them with unforgettable projects and specialised skills in textiles, cooking and nutrition, structures, mechanical and electrical systems.

We want to equip children with not only the minimum statutory requirements of the design technology National Curriculum but to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. For example, utilise our wonderful outdoor space where children can grow different fruits and vegetables each year. 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.

Implementation

The skills and knowledge that children will develop during each term are mapped across each class in a two-year cycle and are progressive throughout the school. Design and Technology sessions follow a clear structure of knowledge and skills are built on strategically.  Each topic, children will have the opportunity to research, design, make and evaluate a project making them responsible, resilient and reflective of their own creations. Our projects are designed to ensure children will be provided with ample opportunities to thrive. Where possible, cross curricular links are made for example when exploring electrical circuits in Science.

Impact

Our DT curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. We carefully support children through DT projects to ensure they make good progress. We then assess each unit against the National Curriculum Objectives.

Assessment information is collected frequently and analysed as part of our monitoring cycle. This process provides an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the quality of education in design technology. Monitoring cycles are consistent across all curriculum areas and include book scrutinies, learning walks and pupil voice.

All of this information is gathered and reviewed. It is used to inform further curriculum developments and provision is adapted accordingly.