“DT should be the subject where mathematical brainboxes and science whizz kids turn their bright ideas into useful products.” James Dyson

Purpose of Study

“D&T in primary schools develops young children’s skills and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials, including food. D&T encourages children's creativity and encourages them to think about important issues.” DATA (The Design & Technology Association)

We want the children to develop the confidence to take risks, through designing draft concepts, modelling, testing and to be reflective learners who evaluate their own work and the work of others. Through our DT curriculum, we aim to build an awareness of the impact of design and technology on everyday lives and encourage children to become resourceful, enterprising citizens who will have the motivation to contribute to future design developments. Our aim is to provide inclusive and aspirational environments and learning experiences where pupils thrive and build the cultural capital they need to make aspirational choices about their own futures, overcoming any barriers.

Intent

Design and technology prepares children to take part in the development of tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. Creative thinking encourages children to make positive changes to their quality of life. The subject encourages children to become autonomous and creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. It enables them to identify needs and opportunities and to respond by developing ideas and eventually making products and systems. Through the study of design and technology they combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as functions and industrial practices. This allows them to reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and its impacts. Design and technology helps all children to become informed consumers and potential innovators.

Implementation

At St John's, our curriculum is carefully mapped out into a Long-Term Plan.

This enables links between subjects to be identified and carefully  planned for to support pupil’s retention of knowledge and skills.

Design and Technology projects are taught across the year and outcomes are demonstrated in Design  and  Technology books and in photographic evidence. The KAPOW scheme is organised as follows:

EYFS

In EYFS, D&T comes under the specific areas of learning “Understanding of the World” and ‘Expressive Art and Design’. Children are encouraged to make their own choices (e.g. choosing their own materials) through child initiated activities, and are led in the development of skills through adult directed tasks. We provide a range of experiences that encourage exploration, observation, problem solving, critical thinking and discussion. These activities, indoors and outdoors, attract the children’s interest and curiosity.

KS1 and KS2

At St John’s, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 utilise the KAPOW scheme and teachers plan and deliver Design and Technology as part of their overarching theme. Teaching methods are adapted to achieve the aims and objectives of this document will vary according to the classroom situation and the work planned by individual teachers. Each Year Group will have cohesive teaching sequences as the key start point for their class – teachers will adapt these annually (in line with the needs of their current class) to ensure that knowledge, skills, vocabulary and curricular links are appropriate.

Impact 

Our Design and Technology curriculum is inclusive and ensures that pupils of all abilities access high quality lessons. There are opportunities for pupils to take on leadership roles in which they build character and embed life skills that they will take away from SJB and into their future endeavours.

Practical experiences, at the heart of this subject, need to foster positive attitudes towards overcoming problems, working collaboratively and developing a flexibility of approach.

The development of Design and Technology proficiency at SJB is achieved through opportunities and experiences across the curriculum. The curriculum enables pupils to take part in a broad range of practical activities.

All of these key disciplinary skills are realised through design projects, which explore and use of a variety of mediums and materials such as textiles, construction, sheet materials, mechanisms and cooking and nutrition.

The expected impact is that children will:

• Understand purpose in design and making.
• Develop imaginative thinking.
• Talk about the mechanics of objects/products and model their ideas.
• Develop problem solving skills.
• Develop, refine, and apply skills.
• Be able think critically about their own and others work.

We intend to deliver high-quality teaching and learning opportunities that inspire all children to succeed in Design and Technology. Our school also recognises the impact that the provision of a high quality Design and Technology curriculum has on the whole school and that it can lead to whole school improvement.