Intent
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject which has a vital role in contributing to a balanced curriculum and creating the problem solvers of the future. It is a subject that inspires children to ‘learn to think’ creatively to solve practical problems both as individuals and through teamwork. At Redwell Primary School, our aim is to encourage children to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. The children are also given opportunities to explore, reflect upon and evaluate past and present technology designs and are encouraged to become resourceful, enterprising citizens who will have the skills and confidence to contribute to future design advancements.
We aim for our learners to:
Design –
- To develop criteria to inform the design of functional products that are fit for purpose.
- To generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through a range of approaches.
Make –
- To confidently and appropriately select and use a wide range of materials, resources and equipment to perform tasks according to their functional properties.
Evaluate –
- To work with an investigative and critical approach towards new and existing products
- To understand how key events and individuals in Design and Technology have helped shape the world.
Cooking and Nutrition –
- To understand and apply the principles of a healthy and balanced diet.
- To understand the principles and skills in food, including where food comes from and seasonality.
- To be aware of the importance of food hygiene and kitchen safety.
Technical Knowledge –
- To develop technical knowledge through each stage of the design process which encompasses the contextual, historical and technical understanding required for each strand.
Implementation
At Redwell, we have mapped out a clear progression of skills and knowledge from EYFS through to Year 6. Our objectives fit within the five National Curriculum attainment targets of Design, Make, Evaluate, Technical Knowledge and Cooking and Nutrition. We have created a curriculum which meet the needs and interests of our pupils and specifically links to our half termly topics. Key concepts and technical vocabulary are also included in our planning which follows a clear teaching sequence of design, make and evaluate.
Design and Technology should be taught three times during the year, one unit focusing on 3D models, one on food technology and one on textiles. This differs slightly in EYFS where there is more flexibility. Lessons can be taught weekly or in a block, depending on the focus, and key areas will be revisited repeatedly with increasing complexity, allowing pupils to build on their previous learning.
Understanding will be monitored through both formative and summative assessment opportunities and teachers are able to seek advice and guidance from Year Group and Subject Leaders.
Impact
At Redwell Primary School, the impact for the learners in Design and Technology will be that pupils have a clear enjoyment and confidence in the subject and have the ability to apply key skills across other areas of the curriculum.
Pupil voice, will provide evidence about what they have learnt in Design and Technology, using subject specific vocabulary. This pupil voice and discussion will include their thoughts, ideas, processing, and evaluations of work.
The curriculum is spaced, ambitious and builds on the key areas which are revisited with increasing complexity, allowing pupils to build on their previous learning. Pupils can think critically about the subject and recall their learning over time.
Work is of high quality and demonstrates that pupils are acquiring knowledge, skills and vocabulary in an appropriate sequence and across all three focus areas: 3D models, food technology and textiles.
Pupil’s work demonstrates that Design and Technology is taught at an age-appropriate standard across each year group, with opportunities planned for pupils showing a swift understanding. As designers and creators, pupils have an appreciation for key individuals, inventions and events in history and of today that can impact our world. They recognise where their decisions can impact the wider world in terms of community, social and environmental issues.
Progression Maps