Curriculum Implementation

Banks Road Primary School, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making. Whilst planning is guided by the DT Association ‘Projects on a Page’ schemes of work, this is adapted to the particular needs and requirements of our children ensuring the National Curriculum is followed. We ensure that the design and technology projects are completed with a clear structure. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. Each year group will undertake a construction topic, a textile topic and a food/drink topic which is taught as a block so that children’s learning is focused throughout each unit of work.

Key skills and knowledge for Design and Technology have been mapped across the school to ensure clear progression through the year groups. Key concepts and technical vocabulary are also included in planning which follows an overall design, make and evaluate structure. At Banks Road Primary School, we also ensure that children are aware of the health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken.

When designing and making, the children are taught to:

Design

• using research and developing design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups
• by generating, developing, modelling and communicating their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design

Make

• selecting from and using a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing) accurately
• selecting from and using a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

Evaluate

• by investigating and analysing a range of existing products
• evaluating their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work
• understanding how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world

Technical knowledge

• applying their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures
• understanding and using mechanical systems in their products
• understanding and using electrical systems in their products
• applying their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.