Design Technology
Intent:
At St. Walburga’s, our intent for Design Technology is for children to be creative and innovative whilst equipping them with design, creation and evaluation skills. We aim to embed a strong foundation in design skill through a well-structured, engaging curriculum that inspires curiosity and problem-solving.
We encourage children to think critically and creatively. Our curriculum is designed to be thought provoking and imaginative, where pupils can explore various materials, techniques, and processes to solve real-world problems and be reflective of their work.
We aspire to provide children with the opportunity to gain a wide range of skills, from basic designing skills to more advanced concepts. This approach prepares them not only for future learning in DT but also for various careers.
We aim to connect learning to real-world scenarios through theme-based projects. This relevance promotes an awareness and understanding of the impact of Design Technology on everyday life.
Implementation:
At St. Walburga’s, we have clear and comprehensive DT schemes of work in line with the National Curriculum. DT is a practical subject that uses creativity and imagination and allows our pupils to design and make real-life products. We tailor lessons to carefully consider the cultural capital and reflects the diversity of our learners.
- Within DT, the curriculum is split into 5 areas; structures, mechanisms , textiles, cooking and nutrition and electrical systems (KS2 only). Over a 2 year rolling programme, children will cover these topics several times in a variety of ways.
- To ensure children see the whole design process, DT projects are taught in one day but have cross curricular links to underpin learning. These projects have a very clear structure which are exemplified in the learning journeys. They follow the process: research, design, make and evaluate. They evidence these in their DT booklets.
- Skills, knowledge and vocabulary are a big focus in the DT curriculum and are developed from Chris Quigley Essential skills. These skills are built upon as children progress through school which ensures that children achieve the highest possible outcomes at their level.
- Throughout units and throughout school, we revisit learning in a variety of ways to aid retention and build on prior knowledge. This will embed skills and ensure children know more and remember more. Health and safety and hygiene skills are also woven into each DT product.
- To guarantee all children can access key learning, adaptive teaching strategies are used so learning is child specific, tailored and personalised. This includes appropriate stretch and challenge.
- DT is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Children have the opportunity to fully design and make their own product which allows ownership with real meaning to learning.
Impact:
Children have a clear enjoyment and confidence in design and technology that they will then apply to other areas of the curriculum.
Children ultimately know more, remember more and understand more about Design Technology, demonstrating this knowledge when using tools or skills in other areas of the curriculum and in opportunities out of school.
As designers children will develop skills and attributes they can use beyond school and into adulthood.
Long Term Plan