Design & Technology Curriculum
Design and Technology Curriculum Statement
"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." (National Curriculum)
We follow planning from the Design and Technology Association to ensure coverage of the curriculum and progression from years 1-6 (Projects on a Page). We believe in an interative approach to design and revisit and improve on our skills as we move up the school.
Intent
The national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupilsm develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Children will be able to 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 user. Children will be able to critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others. Finally, children should understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.
Implementation
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. 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. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
In all our projects we ensure each stage of the design process is fully explored starting with understanding the ‘audience’ or ‘purpose’ of the product and involves: exploring, planning, market research, communicating, making, modelling, reviewing and evaluating.
Children build their skills progressively in six strands so children have a wide experience of design fields including: textiles, structures, mechanisms, electrical systems, computing, cooking and nutrition. In many cases the projects will dovetail with other aspects of the curriculum deeper learning and relevance.
Our DT curriculum enable designs to be developed effectively, as children can really get 'stuck in' to their projects.
Impact
What is the impact of our curriculum on pupils?
- Good design puts people first.
- It uses creativity to solve problems, challenge thinking and make lives better.
- Designers shape the built environment, the digital world and the products and services we use, creating better places, better products, better processes and better performance.
- Design and technology is a growing and integral part of our lives; our children will be the innovators and designers of the future so our DT curriculum requires children to show innovation, creativity and to develop specific skills.