Design & Technology

Curriculum Intent: Design & Technology

In response to our mixed-aged classes, our curriculum is implemented on a two-yearly programme (Cycle A and Cycle B). This ensures complete curriculum coverage for our pupils. As children progress throughout the school, they develop their knowledge and skills through a range of topics. By Year 6, all children will have followed our Curriculum Narrative pathway.

Characteristics of a Designer

Significant levels of originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes.
An excellent attitude to learning and independent working.
The ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
The ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
The ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
A thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
The ability to apply mathematical knowledge.
The ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.
A passion for the subject and knowledge of, up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.

Implementation

Our pupils should be able to organise their knowledge, skills and understanding around the following threshold concepts:

Design
Make
Evaluate
Technical Knowledge

These threshold concepts, underpin learning in each milestone. This enables pupils to reinforce and build upon prior learning, make connections and develop subject specific language.

Please see Long Term Planning for Design and Technology

Design & Technology Phase Overview

Aspirations For The Future

Pupils develop an understanding of how subjects and specific skills are linked to future jobs.

Here are some of the jobs you could aspire to do in the future as a Designer:

Sound engineer
Theme park designer
Videogames studies researcher
Lego designer
Den builder
Jewellery designer

Inspirational Figure

Impact

Assessment

Through the explicit teaching of the Design skills, both the teachers and the pupils assess their learning continuously throughout the lesson. Our assessment systems enable teachers to make informed judgements about the depth of their learning and the progress they have made over time.

Pupil Voice

“I like designing and making things. I love designing my own things.”

Oscar (KS1)

“We tried to design our own spring rolls after trying existing products. They were tricky but we had fun making them. They tasted amazing!”

Freya (KS2)

“Design and Technology is lots of fun. I enjoyed using electronics and including a light bulb in my model.”

William (KS2)

I love D&T because it allows me to be really creative and come up with new ideas. The designing part is my favourite but I enjoy the making too.

Joel (KS2)

I enjoyed 3D modelling because it was fun. I designed the packaging for my sweets in the style of a Christmas tree.

Mia (KS2)

We drew on the boxes first. Then, we cut out the windows and doors. We used glue and sellotape to stick it together.

Koby (EYFS)

Snapshots

Here is what Design and Technology looks like at St. Joseph’s