Design & Technology

We believe that high-quality DT lessons will inspire children to think independently, innovatively and develop creative, procedural and technical understanding. It is important that our curriculum offers our children the knowledge and skills that they require to understand the role of Design and Technology in the growth and the ongoing development of the world we are apart of. Throughout our curriculum design, we strive for our pupils to: ·

  • research, explore and investigate key products, structures, designs etc…
  • effectively engage in the ‘design cycle’ represent their ideas,
  • be exposed to a wide range of media including textiles, food, woodwork and electrical systems;
  • build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
  • be creative with their designs and prototypes
  • make a purposeful product and evaluate their work using the principles: User, Purpose, Functionality, Design Decisions, Innovation and Authenticity.
  • critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
  • understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook
  • develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world

The skills they acquire and develop are applied to creating a relevant product designed to perform one or more defined tasks. Each design and made product will work/function effectively in order to fulfil users’ needs, wants and purposes. It is paramount that DT work be purposeful, functional, fun and engaging. Though DT, our children will be exposed to a range of skills, new vocabulary and they will be expected to practice the art of resilience.

Pupils are encouraged to express their individuality and understand that trial and error, investigations and adaptations are crucial and necessary to the process of a DT project. Children are encouraged to take risks, experiment and then reflect on why some ideas and techniques are successful or not for their particular project.

Our Design & Technology Overview

Our Design & Technology Overview outlines the essential details to ensure full coverage of the National Curriculum whilst providing our teachers with the tools required to support the development of well-researched and creative designers. These details include: –

  • progression of teaching topics and stimuli for learning
  • identification of DT skills to teach, learn and practise
  • prioritised knowledge and facts to know, supporting an improved conceptual understanding of DT

Our coherent, planned curriculum has purposefully been designed supporting progressive learning through the year groups. Each curriculum area follows the principles of:

  • User
  • Purpose
  • Functionality
  • Design Decisions
  • Innovation
  • Authenticity

Our children will  be given the opportunity to complete three different units using varied media throughout each academic year. Each project the children will undertake has a clear purpose.

A cycle of lessons will happen for each project where plans ensure full coverage of the principles, progressively with depth and where supporting and possible Educational Visits/ Visitors is integrated. Some DT visits in the past have included: trips to local secondary schools, Nissan car plant, local restaurants and Diggerland. Alongside this, our visiting experts of  Architecture workshops for schools, Tech4fun and STEM have also enhanced the learning experience.

Supporting Documents:

Supporting Websites:

‘Personal Development: Personal development at the school is rated “Outstanding”. The curriculum provides a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school gates, including educational visits and active citizenship opportunities.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Personal development is “Outstanding”, offering a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Pupils thrive in an inclusive, nurturing environment where their accomplishments are celebrated.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Leadership and Management: Leadership and management are rated “Good”. Leaders have high ambitions for every pupil, and there is a strong culture of mutual support and teamwork among the staff. The governing body and trustees are knowledgeable and committed to the success of the pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Reading and Literacy: Reading is prioritised, with an effective phonics program starting in the early years. Pupils’ love for reading is nurtured through various competitions and a well-stocked library.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The Ribbon Academy is rated as “Good” overall, reflecting high standards in various aspects of school performance.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The school provides rich extracurricular opportunities, such as “Ribbon Radio” and the “Poets’ Podium”, which help develop pupils’ confidence.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The school has a strong safeguarding culture, with effective systems in place to ensure the welfare and safety of all pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The quality of education at the school is “Good”, with a broad and inspiring curriculum that builds knowledge progressively.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Community and Extracurricular Activities: Pupils engage in activities like ‘Ribbon Radio’ and the ‘Poets’ Podium’, developing confidence and showcasing their talents. The school also runs breakfast clubs, after-school activities, and a community café, enhancing the sense of community and belonging.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Behaviour and Attitudes: Behaviour and attitudes at the school are rated “Good”. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s values.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Behaviour and attitudes are rated “Good”, with pupils showing positive behaviour both in and out of lessons.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Early years provision is rated “Outstanding”, with staff providing a magical learning journey that encourages curiosity and independence.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Reading is a priority, with an effective phonics program starting in early years, fostering a love for reading among pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Pupils feel safe and have positive attitudes towards learning, understanding and demonstrating the school’s values.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Early Years Provision: The provision for early years is rated “Outstanding”. The staff provide an exceptional range of carefully planned learning activities that encourage curiosity, independence, and the development of spoken language from day one.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Leadership and management are “Good”, demonstrating high ambitions for all pupils and a strong culture of mutual support among staff.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Parents are highly supportive of the school, agreeing that their children are happy and well-supported.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Safety and Well-being: Pupils feel safe at the school, describing it as a “safe spot”. There is a strong culture of safeguarding, with effective systems in place to report and follow up on concerns. The pastoral team works tirelessly to ensure the welfare of all pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Inclusivity and Nurturing Environment: The school is described as inclusive and nurturing, with high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievements. Celebratory displays showcase pupils’ accomplishments, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Quality of Education: The quality of education provided is considered “Good”. The curriculum is broad, inspiring, and well-thought-out, enabling pupils to build on their knowledge progressively.’

OFSTED COMMENTS