Design & Technology
Design and Technology
“Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. 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” DfE, 2013
Intent
Design and Technology lessons inspire a love of learning through enabling students to explore a wide range of practical and real-life problems in an immersive DT workshop space. Pupils have opportunities to experience a variety of projects and develop a breadth of knowledge underpinned by a wide variety of famous designers, engineers and architects, inspiring them to consider pursuing similar careers later in life. The curriculum is designed to enable pupils to gain a multitude of experiences and acquire knowledge within structures, mechanisms, electronics, food technology and textiles, supporting pupils to develop mastery in a range of design and technology disciplines.
Children are encouraged to demonstrate independence and resilience through resolving practical problems by themselves or within their teams, continuing to build upon knowledge from previous years’ projects. Pupils are taught to show bravery when using a range of tools, whilst building knowledge and awareness to manage risks appropriately.
All end products are unique to the individual or team, enabling pupils to express creativity, resourcefulness and innovation. Through working in teams towards a common goal, children have opportunities to develop their skills in compassion, cooperation and collaboration.
For SEND learners this means
pre-teaching subject vocabulary to decrease the vocabulary gap and to give oracy for a purpose
Adapted teaching materials where required to enable pupils to access the full curriculum.
Implementation
Design and Technology projects are taught throughout the school year in our purpose built, immersive DT workshop.
Curriculum mapping enables pupils to experience learning in food technology, textiles, mechanisms (mechanical and electronic) and structures on multiple occasions throughout their primary education as outlined in the National Curriculum.
Children explore a wide range of skills using the breadth of the Design and Technology Association’s ‘Projects on a Page’ planning resources.
All lesson series include project immersion and investigation, designing, testing ideas, making a final piece and evaluating the outcome.
Opportunities to experience use of computer-aided design software within the planning stages of the learning cycle.
Opportunities to work both independently and collaboratively.
Learning is made relevant to children through links to everyday life or topic work in other curriculum areas.
Children are encouraged to recognise and explain the purpose of creating a product using technical knowledge to support explanation.
