Design & Technology

Our philosophy & culture

Our Design Technology curriculum inspires our children to develop a love for design and technology, fostering their curiosity and imagination. The children are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and effective communicators in an increasingly technological world.

Our curriculum is designed to:

1. Develop a wide range of practical skills: Children use a variety of tools, equipment, and software to create products, applying their knowledge of materials and techniques.
2. Foster creativity and innovation: Children generate and explore ideas, take risks, and experiment with different materials and technologies. We encourage the children to become imaginative problem solvers who can generate innovative solutions.
3. Promote critical thinking and evaluation: Our children develop an ability to think critically and evaluate their own work as well as the work of others.
4. Encourage collaboration and communication: We believe in the importance of teamwork and effective communication. Our curriculum encourages children to work collaboratively, engaging in discussions, listening to others and presenting their ideas clearly and confidently.
5. Raise awareness of real-world contexts: We are committed to providing opportunities for children to connect their learning to real-world problems and contexts. We want our children to understand how design and technology impacts society, the environment, and cultural factors.

How children learn DT

To achieve our philosophy and culture for DT, we have implemented the following strategies:

Sequential and progressive curriculum:

Our Design Technology curriculum is carefully sequenced, ensuring that prior knowledge is built upon and skills are developed progressively. We have mapped out clear learning objectives for each year group, outlining the knowledge, skills and vocabulary to be covered.

Cross-curricular links:

We actively promote cross-curricular links to ensure that Design Technology is integrated with other subjects such as Science, Mathematics, and Art. This approach allows children to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts, fostering a deeper understanding.

Practical and hands-on learning experiences:

We prioritise practical and hands-on learning experiences to engage our children effectively. We provide opportunities for pupils to design, make, and evaluate a variety of products, aligning with their age and ability. Children are given access to a range of materials, tools, and equipment to support their learning, with health and safety at the forefront.

Expert-led workshops and industry connections:

We collaborate with external expert providers and nearby industries (Mazak in Worcester) to offer workshops, visits, or virtual interactions that expose pupils to real-world applications of design and technology. These experiences help pupils see the relevance and potential career paths in the field.

Well-trained staff:

Our teachers receive regular professional development opportunities to enhance their subject knowledge, pedagogy, and awareness of current design and technological practices. This ensures that they effectively support pupils' learning and foster a dynamic, innovative learning environment. Through assessment we observe progress and identify areas for further development through feedback and support.

Inclusion:

Our curriculum is designed to be inclusive, catering to the diverse needs of all children. We provide appropriate support and scaffolding and ensure that resources and activities are accessible to all.

The impact of the DT curriculum

The children will demonstrate clear progress in their practical skills and knowledge of design and technology concepts throughout their time in our school. They will achieve or exceed age-related expectations, and those with special talents will be suitably challenged and supported.

The children have a positive attitude towards design and technology, showing enthusiasm and a willingness to explore and take risks. They will be actively engaged in practical activities, demonstrating their curiosity and creativity in problem-solving situations.

The children will develop strong problem-solving skills and become confident critical thinkers. They will demonstrate the ability to generate, develop and evaluate design ideas, making informed judgments based on testing, refining, and improved outcomes.

The children demonstrate effective teamwork skills, self-awareness, and the ability to actively listen and respect others' views. They will also communicate their ideas confidently and coherently, using appropriate design and technical vocabulary.

The children will understand how design and technology impacts society, the environment, and cultural factors. They will engage in discussions about ethical considerations, sustainability, and responsible design choices, developing a sense of social responsibility.

Our excellent Design Technology curriculum will equip our children with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in their future education and careers. It will empower them to be innovative thinkers and problem solvers, ready to contribute positively to society.