Intent

At St. John’s CE Primary School, our Design Technology curriculum is inspiring, rigorous and practical. We want our children to use 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. We intend for all children to acquire appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. It is our aim to create strong cross curricular links with other subjects, such as Mathematics, Science, Computing, and Art. We want Design and Technology to prepare our children, to give them the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences they need to be successful in later life.

Implementation

Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning and 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. This is implemented through a well thought out, whole school, yearly overview of the DT curriculum which allows for progression across year groups in all areas of DT (textiles, mechanisms, structures, food and electrical systems) Well planned and resourced projects provide children with hands-on and enriching experiences. A range of skills are taught ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken. Teachers are given ownership and flexibility when timetabling Design and Technology, often teaching DT as a block of lessons to allow the time needed for the children to be critical, inventive and reflective on their work. Each project from Year 1 to Year 6 addressing the principles of designing, making, and evaluating and incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding in relevant contexts. Pupils are introduced to specific designers, chefs, nutritionists, etc. helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement and increase the cultural capital from which they can draw in the future.

Impact

We assess the impact of our Design and Technology curriculum through careful teacher assessment and analysis of this by the subject leader. Staff use design books, observations, floor books and children’s responses to design work and designers evidenced on Seesaw to gauge a clear understanding of the children’s abilities. This ensures that all children are assessed fairly, regardless of any disadvantages and potential barriers. The Design and Technology subject leader is assured of the accuracy of these judgements through moderations, professional dialogue with staff, observation of teaching, pupil learning studies and pupil voice.

Through carefully planned and implemented learning activities in Design and Technology the pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. By the end of Key Stage 2, they gain a firm foundation of knowledge and skills to see them equipped to take on further learning in High School and to explore further roles in the design industry.