Design and Technology (DT)
Intent
Design and Technology is the study of how products and systems are designed and manufactured. It can teach children how to be innovative and how to make use of the resources around them, including technology.
The aim of our Design and Technology curriculum is to create confident, skilled and creative designers who demonstrate the following essential characteristics:
- Originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes.
- An excellent attitude to learning and independent working.
- The ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
- The ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
- The ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
- A thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
- The ability to apply mathematical knowledge.
- The ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.
- A passion for the subject and knowledge of up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.
The Curriculum
In Design and Technology lessons we plan for units of work to always be centred round the following four stages:
- Investigate
- Design
- Make
- Evaluate
These four stages support pupils in understanding the process of designing and making and by using this model across all units, pupils are able to make more meaningful links between their knowledge and skills.
We also plan for the following:
- A balance of practical and theory based (investigative) learning which supports the understanding and development of design.
- A range of engaging practical opportunities with a variety of tools and materials which enhance the creativity and imagination of pupils.
Please find the Design & Technology overviews for each year group below:
Year 1 - click here
Year 2 - click here
Year 3 - click here
Year 4 - click here
Year 5 - click here
Year 6 - click here
Assessment in Design and Technology
The primary reason for assessment is to provide the pupil and the teacher with vital information which can then be used to improve future teaching and learning. Teachers will use a range of strategies to gain information about how well a pupil has understood a concept during the lesson including the use of questioning, collecting evidence from designs, plans, models and final products completed. There will also POP quizzes at the beginning of each lesson that revisit prior learning and a summative POP Quiz at the end of every unit. Appropriate verbal and written feedback and peer or self-assessment tasks are then used to provide children with the information they need to continue to make rapid progress.
Enrichment
Enrichment activities are planned with the pupils learning in mind. We aim to further develop the pupils' understanding of a topic by visiting a range of locations which can offer a historical insight into a product or to inspire our pupils to be both innovative and creative. Activities built into the curriculum include the STIXX project completed by Year 6 which is directly linked to their subject ‘Shelters’ where pupils design and build a shelter using rolled newspaper sheets taking instruction and advice from a professional engineer! Other enrichment activities built into the curriculum include trips to museums and workshops such as ‘Robotics’.