Design and Technology

INTENT

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. It encourages children to learn to think logically and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At Creswell Junior school we 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. Through effective teaching and a considered sequence of lessons and experiences, the curriculum will raise aspirations; develop a rich and varied vocabulary; progressively build their skills and knowledge and challenge them to think outside the box.

We strive to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers. Through the DT curriculum, children should be inspired by engineers, designers, chefs and architects to enable them to create a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products with a real life purpose.

IMPLEMENTATION

At Creswell Junior School, Design and Technology is taught on a half termly basis which alternates with Art. Our D&T topics are based on the planning from Plan Bee: Construction, Food Technology, Textiles and Electrical Components. The skills and knowledge that children will develop throughout each D&T topic are progressive throughout the school. Our D&T topics clearly follow the design process of research, design, make and evaluate. This allows children to become critical of their own work and to consider where improvements can be made.

• Each of our pupils has their own Design and Technology folder. This allows pupils to store their research, initial sketches, final designs, and evaluations.
•  At the beginning of each topic, a knowledge organiser is given to each child. These knowledge organisers allow the child to refer to key vocabulary and knowledge when needed and they also give the children an insight to what the topic is about.
• Teachers and pupils have access to a range of materials to aid their learning and designing.
• A range of skills are taught to ensure that children are aware of the health and safety issues relating to the tasks undertaken.
• Design and Technology topics also have clear, cross curricular links. This gives the children an opportunity to learn life skills and apply skills to ‘hands on’ situations in a purposeful context.

IMPACT

The impact of our Design and Technology curriculum is in the development of our pupils being able to approach problems creatively and in a range of ways. The children have clear enjoyment and confidence in design and technology and will apply their skills to other areas of the curriculum. Most children will achieve age related expectation in Design and Technology. As designer’s children will develop skills that they can use beyond school.