Eastcourt
Independent School
DT
Our Design and Technology curriculum develops children's skills and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials, including food.
Intent
Examples of our design work are exhibited throughout the school, both on classroom and communal displays.
In Reception, all children have a personalised ‘Learning Journey’ which is used to record their development throughout the year. Teachers use this evidence to ensure that children are making progress. Where children are not meeting expected standards, teachers provide additional support.
On entry to Year 1, children discover and learn more about Design Technology. This pattern of learning continues throughout all year groups. DT encourages children to be resourceful, use materials thoughtfully and be mindful of waste.
They will develop their ability to generate an idea by exploring real examples, taking inspiration to design and practise skills, create a design and evaluate their finished product. DT is cross curricular and enables cultural appreciation and enjoyment as children expand their creativity.
Implementation
The curriculum has been designed to cover the skills set out in the National Curriculum. Pupils are taught to develop their techniques, and work with an increasing awareness of different kinds of materials. Design Technology projects are cross-curricular and can be linked to a class topic enhancing the pupils’ understanding of key concepts covered in other subjects (e.g. History and Geography).
Designers from different eras/cultures are studied to give a balanced knowledge and understanding.
A range of equipment and resources are available to ensure success for all pupils including templates and vocabulary cards to help with technical language. They will explore and use equipment such as glue guns, saws, electronic equipment, construction kits and weighing scales in cooking and nutrition.
Their ideas and design processes will be documented in booklets which will demonstrate their personal learning journey.
Impact
Our aim is to enable pupils to become creative and reflective learners who are able to express themselves fluently and confidently in a variety of different ways. Within the curriculum, DT will contribute towards this, enabling pupils to respond thoughtfully to different learning and stimuli. Pupils develop their cultural understanding in a range of contexts. We want our pupils to understand that the perseverance and attentiveness needed to complete a Design project leads to personal pride. It is our intention that they learn about real designers from a variety of cultural backgrounds and develop real life skills such as sewing and cooking.
