Design and Technology

Design and Technology Curriculum at St Eanswythe’s

Rationale and National Curriculum Coverage

Taken from the National Curriculum in England:

‘Purpose of study:

‘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.’

Intent:

At St. Eanswythe’s we have a dedicated and passionate team of staff who value all areas of the curriculum and strive to deliver a wide range of lessons using a thorough, and holistic approach in the enabling of learning. We wanted a design technology curriculum with appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum Design Technology Programmes of study, to fulfil the duties of the NC whereby schools must provide a balanced and broadly-based curriculum which promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and prepares them for the opportunities and responsibilities and experiences for later life. As a school we follow the KAPOW Scheme of work to ensure this and to nurture and support our teaching of DT. The KAPOW Scheme of work has been organised coherently to ensure it builds interesting and meaningful connections within and across DT, allowing children to think deeply about interesting content. It is the goal of KAPOW to provide engaging, clear, and relevant lessons and resources that are regularly improved and reviewed. Our DT curriculum has been designed to stretch and inspire our children and supports the development of their knowledge and skills.

Implementation:

At St. Eanswythe’s we recognise the importance of raising the profile of DT and know that it is a crucial part of school life and learning. It is for this reason that as a school we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum. The KAPOW Scheme ensures that the children follow the cycle of Design, Make and Evaluate, alongside this the technical knowledge is also linked to the National curriculum. Each year group will cover a unit on Mechanisms, Structures, Textiles and Nutrition. A unit is taught by blocking sessions together and is taught using a mixture of whole-class teaching and individual / group activities if needed. To ensure that pupils are not limited by their life experiences, all children will access an age related curriculum regardless of their starting point. Technical vocabulary will be explored in each lesson and children will be encouraged to be resilient and independent during Design and Technology.

Our Teaching Sequence:

Brief review of learning covered in previous lesson.
Teacher delivers design brief, posing the problem to be solved
Children research existing products and possible construction materials/ingredients/ tools.
Children create their own design, in response to the brief and research.
Children make product.
Children evaluate their work.

Our Children Will:

Engaged because they are challenged by the curriculum which they are provided with.
Resilient learners who overcome barriers and understand their own strengths and areas for development.
Able to critique their own work as a design technician because they know how to be successful.
Safe and happy in design technology lessons which give them opportunities to explore their own creative development.
Encouraged and nurtured to overcome any barriers to their learning or self-confidence because feedback is positive and focuses on design and technology skills and knowledge.
Develop design technology skills and confidence over time because of careful planning, focused delivery and time to practice and hone skills.

Impact:

Assessment of DT is on-going throughout a pupil’s school journey. The teaching of DT is assessed by the class teacher during lessons with verbal feedback, guidance and modelling given when appropriate. Evidence of the learning is dependent on the lesson outcome, year group and the skills and knowledge being developed. Throughout the course of the lesson the class teacher will move around the class, offering support where needed so that each child receives direct feedback and the appropriate level of challenge. DT is assessed using discussion, quizzes and includes class assessments at the end of a unit to assess their knowledge. This is used to inform future planning and starters in lessons where pupils recap and review previous learning. The children’s’ opinions will be heard and valued. At the end of a unit the children will share their product with their peers and will complete an evaluation, discussing what has gone well and what could be improved and how.

Pupil Voice Will Show:

A secure understanding of the key techniques and methods for each key area of the curriculum: design, plan, make, evaluate.
A progression of understanding, with appropriate vocabulary which supports and extends understanding.
Confidence in discussing their own work and identifying their own strengths and areas for development

The Curriculum Leader Will:

Celebrate the successes of pupils through planned displays and worship celebrations.
Collate appropriate evidence over time which evidences that pupils know more and remember more.
Monitor the standards in the subject to ensure the outcomes are at expected levels.
Provide ongoing CPD support based on the outcomes of subject monitoring to ensure that the impact of the curriculum is wide reaching and positive.