Design Technology

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Design Technology

High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture and well-being of the nation. At Wheatfield Primary School it is our aim to provide children with a range of practical, creative and engaging experiences. In order to provide this for the children we use the Kapow DT scheme of learning. This allows children to learn important life skills through a clear progression throughout the school following the objectives set out in the national curriculum.

Curriculum Intention

The intention of the curriculum, based upon the national curriculum expectations, is to ensure that by the time every student leaves they have at least the ability to:

· 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 to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of user

· 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.

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They should work in a range of relevant contexts [for example, the home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community, industry and the wider environment].

As part of their work with food, pupils are taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity.

Curriculum Implementation

In EYFS Design Technology is covered throughout enhanced provision opportunities for the children to explore and design and make different products according to a brief.

Throughout the rest of the school, DT lessons follow the Kapow scheme for learning to ensure that children have access to a rich DT curriculum. The use of the scheme ensures that staff are able to provide subject specific units of work and have coherently planned lessons. The scheme provides ‘How to Videos’ for each aspect of learning which supports staff in how to deliver key objectives. There is a clear progression of key skills throughout key stage 1 and key stage 2. The scheme closely matches the objectives of the DT National Curriculum. Children record all aspects of their design processes, including photos of final pieces.

Curriculum Impact

In order to measure the impact that the Design Technology curriculum has at our school, the following methods are used:

· Evaluation of knowledge and skills through peer- and self- assessment at the end of each unit

· Creation showcases

· Learning walks

· Pupil voice