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 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.
