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 encourages children to ‘learn to think’ creatively to solve practical problems both as individuals and through teamwork. At Crook Log 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. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing and art. The children are also given opportunities to explore, reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology and are encouraged to become problem solvers in their own right.

Implementation

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making. Whilst planning is guided by the ‘Kapow’ schemes of work, this is adapted to the particular needs and requirements of our children ensuring the National Curriculum is followed. Key skills and knowledge for DT have been mapped across the school to ensure clear progression through the year groups. Key concepts and technical vocabulary are also included in planning which follows an overall design, make and evaluate structure. Encouraging the use of technical vocabulary during discussion opportunities links to improving oracy skills. Design and technology lessons can also be taught as a block so that children’s learning is better focused throughout each unit of work. Units on nutrition are taught ensuring that children have a growing understanding of where food comes from, its seasonality and the need for a healthy and varied diet.

Impact

The impact of the teaching of Design and Technology is assessed in a number of ways. Formal assessment by book trawls and marking of children’s work is used alongside end of unit quizzes and photographic evidence. Careful questioning and planning for child led discussions are some of the other methods of measuring impact.

The children will have experience of;

· How to follow the design, make, evaluate process to meet a goal

· Solving real life practical problems using innovation and creativity, both as an individual and as part of a group

· Choosing from and using a growing range of tools and materials

· Using and understanding richer technical vocabulary associated with DT

· Preparing a range of healthy, varied and nutritious dishes