Design Technology

Design Technology Curriculum Statement 2024

Intent

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject where children are encouraged to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems, both as individuals and as part of a team.  

At St Bede’s Catholic Primary School, we encourage our 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, engineering, computing and art. Our children are given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and they are encouraged to become innovators and risk takers. 

In accordance with the 2014 National Curriculum, St Bede’s Catholic Primary School strives to ensure that all pupils:

• Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
• Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
• Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
• Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

Implementation

We currently teach Design and Technology through Kapow's Primary Scheme of Work.  This ensures we provide a broad and balanced Design and Technology curriculum that builds on previous learning and provides both support and challenge for our children. The Kapow Scheme is a clear, comprehensive planning tool and is in line with the National Curriculum requirements. 

The content within Design Technology is categorised into five areas:

• Structures
• Mechanisms
• Electrical Systems (KS2 only)
• Cooking and Nutrition
• Textiles

Each area has five elements: DESIGN - MAKE - EVALUATE - TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE - FOOD & NUTRITION

Design and Technology lessons will be taught discreetly, in alternate half terms to Art and Design, either as stand -alone regular lessons or within blocks of lessons within the term, ensuring the lesson focus is on the Design and Technology subject knowledge and skills. We also ensure that Design and Technology is embedded in our whole school curriculum and that opportunities for enhancing learning through Design or Technologies are always taken.

We use Knowledge Organisers at the beginning of each unit to guide, inspire, and support their understanding at the beginning of, and throughout a topic.  Key vocabulary is also included in the Knowledge Organisers, allowing children to learn and broaden their use accurate terminology within this subject area.

Design Technology in the Early Years

The most relevant statements for DT are taken from the following area of learning:
• Physical Development
• Understanding the World

There is more information about DT in the Early Years. There is also more information and photos in the Foundation Stage section under 'Year Groups' and the Early Years section under 'Curriculum'.

What does DT look like in Early Years (cumbria.gov.uk)

Evidence/Products

Children’s work will be recorded in either Art_DT Books, on Displays or in photo form on SeeSaw. It will be accessible for review, reflection, assessment or celebration of achievement.

School Based Documents

Health and Safety is paramount and we have created risk assessments for a range of design/craft/cooking tasks undertaken within school. We value and ensure clear, supported instruction, as well as modelling appropriate ways to use tools. Utilising tools correctly enables the children to develop confidence, independence, creativity, perseverance and self-sufficiency - all skills for Life, Learning and Work.

A range of progressive skills will be taught, ensuring that children are aware of their next steps. Please see St Bede's Progression of Skills 2024 Document below.

Impact

Our children enjoy and value Design and technology and know why they are doing things, not just how.  They will understand and appreciate the value of Design and Technology in the context of the creative and cultural industries and their many career opportunities.

Our children will design and make a range of products throughout their time at St Bede’s Catholic Primary School.  A good quality finish will be expected in all products and activities will be made appropriate to the age and ability of the child.

Progress in Design and Technology is demonstrated through regularly reviewing and scrutinising children’s work, against our Progression of Skills in Design Technology Document, to ensure that progress and is taking place. To do this we:

• Looking at pupils’ work, especially over time as they gain skills and knowledge
• Observing engagement of pupils in lessons.
• Talking to the children about what they know AND where they want to lead their learning next.
• Reflect and review the teaching and learning of DT across the school during learning walks or whole-school staff meetings
• Complete online, assessment trackers for each child, referring to the Progression of Skill statements highlighted in bold - aligning with the National Curriculum.

Our curriculum will contribute to the children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection.  This would be seen in them being able to talk confidently about their work, sharing it with others. Children will be able to work, both individually and as part of a team, to solve problems and feedback constructive opinions, suggestions and ideas.

Design Technology at St Bede's - Our Gallery