Download: D&T – Curriculum on a Page [PDF]
Download: DT Progression Map 2021-2022 [PDF]
Download: DT Long Term Plan 2021-2022 [PDF]
External Link: Please click here to see the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for Design and Technology
External Link: Micro:bit Programming in Y6
Intent
Design and Technology encourages children to use their creativity and imagination to solve real life problems. At St Anne’s, Design Technology education involves two important elements – learning about the design and made world and learning how to create functional products for particular purposes and users. Through Design and Technology at St Anne’s, we aim to provide opportunities for all our children to develop their capabilities in these areas. We encourage them at every step to work practically and theoretically to solve problems and overcome barriers, working with resilience and perseverance whilst building on previous skills. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, computing and art. We aim to inspire our children by engineers, designers, chefs and architects to enable them to create a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products with a real-life purpose.
Implementation
Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding, skills and vocabulary needed to engage in the process of designing and making. We follow a cycle of investigative and evaluative activities, focused tasks, design, make and evaluate in all projects. Our children are encouraged to learn from their mistakes and from each other.
The children will work on a range of different projects that will include a range of skills and will gain knowledge that can be built and reflected upon as they progress through the school. Long term curriculum planning is based upon the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum 2014 Programme of Study for Design Technology. The Curriculum and Progress Map for DT shows how DT coverage and progression is ensured across KS1, LKS2 and UKS2, using the ‘Projects on a Page’ scheme units of work, covered in each year group every term. These units of work have been planned with a focus objective by the DT subject leader and class teachers. DT plans, teaching and learning are monitored by the DT lead for coherence and progression. Design Technology is taught in each of the three terms. Evaluation of the lessons by the teacher is ongoing throughout the project. Pupil voice is also a key part of our assessment procedure as the children are encouraged to reflect on their learning and communicate how the project has impacted their thinking.
Impact
At St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Design Technology is a popular subject with our pupils. They develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. Our children are becoming creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team.
What do our children have to say about DT?
What do you enjoy most about DT?
“I enjoy the freedom we get in DT. We don’t all do the same thing. We can use all our own ideas.” – James Y6
How has previous learning helped you?
“Well, I know how to keep my structures strong because in Y5 we learnt how to use triangulation to keep frame structures secure. You can do this using lolly sticks. Paige has used a triangular prism in her fairground ride and she first learnt how to do that in Y4 when we made hydraulic heads so all our learning helps us and it is never boring!” – Ruby Y6
