Design and Technology

Subject Leader - Mrs Dornan

Intent

At Banks Road Primary school, our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to prepare children for the developing world. The subject encourages children to become creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. We encourage children to use creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Design and Technology allows children to apply the knowledge and skills learned in other subjects which gives them motivation and meaning to their learning. Where possible, we aim to link our designs to our current learning across the curriculum. Children are given the opportunity to evaluate past and present designs, thinking about a product’s uses and its effectiveness. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, children develop a critical understanding of design and technology and its impact on the world.

Implementation

Here at 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 and Oak National Academy Design and Technology Schemes, these are adapted to the particular needs and requirements of our children while ensuring the National Curriculum objectives are met. We ensure that all projects follow a set structure. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.

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 and follow the health and safety requirements for all units.

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.

Impact

At Banks Road Primary School, we believe that teaching children how to design, make and evaluate products in a creative and practical way, will allow them to develop skills and attributes they can use beyond school life. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:

·Pupil Voice – Interviewing children about their learning.

·Marking work in books.

·Summative assessment of pupil discussions about their learning.

·Images of the children’s work and practical learning.

Design and Technology will be monitored by the subject leader throughout the year in the form of book monitoring, looking at outcomes and pupil interviews to discuss learning and understanding. All of these allow the subject leader to measure the impact of the teaching taking place.