Intent
At Quadring Cowley and Brown’s Primary School our Design and Technology curriculum intends to be creative and practical, inspiring children to think innovatively and inquisitively, with the chance to problem solve and develop their own creative ideas as individuals, and as part of a team. We provide varied learning opportunities which aim to develop not only children’s technical skill in design & technology; but also to develop their wider knowledge of product design and their ability to apply vocabulary accurately, as well as the opportunity to use their imagination to design and make products within a variety of contexts, to provide motivation and meaning to their learning. Through hands-on, practical experiences we aim for children to leave Year 6 with some knowledge and skills of DT which will inspire children to become inspirational in a range of careers, such as chefs, engineers, sculptures, carpenters, designers and architects. We recognise the important role of the Design and Technology curriculum in preparing our children with skills for life which will enable them to be creative individuals as they become active learners, successful leaders and caring citizens in our ever-developing and ever-changing global society.
Implementation
Our Design and Technology (DT) curriculum is taught through a bi-annual plan to ensure that our mixed aged classes have the breadth, depth and full coverage of the National curriculum and beyond. DT is taught as both a discrete subject and also through purposeful cross curricular links with topics in other areas of the curriculum. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage are encouraged to explore and use a range of media and materials whilst also developing their creativity, imagination and critical thinking. This the foundation on which learning is developed throughout the school.
Within the Early Years, DT is taught through planned focused activities and continuous provision. Within Key Stage 1 and 2, DT is planned following the National Curriculum and against the outlined learning objectives. Teachers have a bi-annual overview of the subject, ensuring all skills and knowledge are covered. Through the progression grids, teachers develop long term and medium term plans to ensure pupils are provided with opportunities to build on skills previously taught and ensure that skills, knowledge and vocabulary are embedded and extended.
Wherever possible first hand experiences and real things are used to stimulate design and technology activities. Teaching is done in whole class groups followed by group and individual work. New techniques and skills are modelled and examples of work are shown to the children.
In group and individual work, pupils have the opportunity to investigate, explore and develop ideas and techniques. They are also involved in evaluating their work, celebrating success and identifying areas for improvement. Opportunities for using and extending design skills are built into lessons in other subjects.
At Quadring Primary we ensure that children also have access to contemporary (20th and 21st century) designers as well as more traditional ones, that are perhaps more relevant to children today.
In addition, across the school, we hold BLP Days (building Learning Power) and WOW events which enhance our design & technology curriculum. However, teachers make it explicit to the children that they are learning design & technology skills and encourage them to think like ‘Designers.’
Children also have the opportunity to attend extra-curricular clubs, which develop the children’s design and technology skills, such as STEM construction club.
Impact
The children at Quadring Primary receive a broad, balanced design and technology curriculum which contributes to children’s personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection. Children develop a range of design and making skills and use a wide variety of media with increasing confidence. They have a good understanding of and are able to use subject specific technical vocabulary. Children are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified. Children improve their enquiry skills and inquisitiveness about the world around them, and their impact through design and technology on the world. Children will become more confident in analysing their work and giving their opinion on their own and other work. Children show competences in improving their resilience and perseverance by continually evaluating and improving their work. All children in school can speak confidently about their design and technology work and their skills.
Our DT Curriculum at Quadring Primary School enables children to have a love of Design Technology and develop their creative, design and making skills, knowledge and understanding so that they can become influencers in the our everchanging world of design and technology.
Children will be able to collaborate, learn from, understand and react to each other’s perspectives and strengths. Children will move through, and leave the school, with the confidence that they can design, make and change products and items, with a strong belief that qualifications and careers incorporating Design and technology are within their capability.