Design and Technology Curriculum Statement

Intent

At Horsmonden, our Design and Technology curriculum is constructed to excite and inspire children to think innovatively, inquisitively and to become risk takers. We provide varied learning opportunities which aim to develop not only children’s technical skill in Design and Technology; but also to develop their wider knowledge of product design and their ability to apply vocabulary accurately. Experiences are driven through vehicles that enhance a child’s awareness of their own abilities and strengths as a learner; thus ensuring that children see learning in Design and Technology as an on-going process not a one-off event. 

Children will meet the National Curriculum expectations in Design and Technology, which will be taught by highly-qualified, enthusiastic staff who will support children to develop mastery of concepts and inspire enthusiasm and interest in the subject. Children will increasingly use their prior knowledge to solve problems and develop the sophistication of Design and Technology. 

We encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to research, design, make and evaluate products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. In Design and Technology, children will develop planning and communication skills, including presenting ideas, produce meaningful and quality products and be reflective of their processes and outcomes. Children will understand how British Values relate to Design and Technology. 

Children will develop a real understanding and appreciation of the world, learning from the best that has been developed and relating Design and Technology processes to the wider world, for example, architects, chefs or engineers.

Implementation

The Design and Technology National Curriculum and EYFS is planned for and covered as part of our inquiry based learning.  Whilst the EYFS and National Curriculum forms the foundation of our curriculum, we make sure that children learn additional skills, knowledge and understanding and enhance our curriculum as and when necessary. 

Carefully designed, interleaved schemes of learning in Design and Technology ensure consistency and progress of all learners. The key skills we teach children include textiles, cooking, electrical and mechanical components and using materials. 

Delivery shows the clear following of the design process: design, make and evaluate, alongside technical knowledge. A range of skills are taught, ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken.

Clear and appropriate cross curricular links to underpin learning in multi areas across the curriculum giving the children opportunities to learn life skills and apply skills to ‘hands on’ situations in a purposeful context.

High quality input from experts and educational resources complement the delivery of specialist learning admirably. Children understand how Design and Technology is used in the wider world including careers. Teaching drawing skills will be focused on and children will be able to draw a range of 3D shapes accurately and using a ruler. 

Throughout our Design and Technology curriculum, there are amazing opportunities for the involvement of parents, governors and the wider community in the children’s learning, such as designing bird houses, trips to museums and inviting parents in with particular areas of expertise.

Presentation skills will be taught to ensure that children are taking pride in their design work and in work that may be shared as part of a whole class activity. children should be confident in explaining their design work to peers and teachers and acknowledge feedback as a measure of driving work and progress forward and not a criticism to hold on to. 

Children will have a clear understanding of basic health and safety procedures and how this is linked to the equipment that they use during practical sessions. In Design and Technology, children will be confident when using equipment and understand and explain simple manufacturing processes that have been taught when completing any practical element.

An understanding of different materials are also covered in relation to: Textiles (Fabrics), Product Design (Wood/Plastic/Metal), Graphics (Paper, Board and Printing) and Food (Ingredients). Children are taught to recognise material names and link them to the correct material area.

Impact

Children are happy learners within Design and Technology . They experience a wide range of learning challenges within the subject and know appropriate responses to them. Children will enhance their problem solving skills and use their resilience to ensure that work is amended rather than started again. 

Visits within Design and Technology have enriched the lives of the children and they are able to discuss how the experience impacted their knowledge and understanding. Children’s confidence will shine through the presentation of their work in group settings and in an individual setting. 

Through the Design and Technology curriculum at Horsmonden, children:

• Understand and apply subject specific vocabulary 

• Achieve age related expectations at the end of each academic year 

• Retain and build on knowledge, understanding and skills in DT 

• Develop the ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely

• Develop the ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically

• Participate in wider DT-based activities, applying the skills taught across different curriculum areas. 

• Develop a love for DT and an appreciation of the design process.

Children of all abilities and backgrounds achieve well in Design and Technology reflected in outstanding progress that reveals a clear learning journey. Children talk enthusiastically about their learning in Design and Technology and are eager to further their learning in the next stages of their education. 

There is a proven track record of assessment success (recorded through the Foundation Skills Assessment Sheets) that reflects the impact of deep learning. Clear outcomes focus and guide all Design and Technology development plans and drive improvement. Through this exposure, children will produce work that is influenced by the best of the best. 

Through wider reading in Design and Technology, children will be exposed to a range of design work influenced by different design areas such as; Architecture, Chefs, Fashion Designers, Car Designers and Product Designers. (This could be achieved through looking at different media’s such as news published online, magazines or Design books).

Resources

Resources kept in the stock cupboard and returned there when not in use. Resource cupboard to be kept tidy so that resources are accessible. Teachers inform the subject lead if there are any specific resources that are needed and that cannot be found in the stock cupboard.

Teachers have access to a bank of central resources from the Trust and are able to enrich children's experiences of Design and Technology and resources lessons with high quality tools and equipment.

Design and Technology leader to keep up to date about new curriculum developments and relay them to staff when needed.