Design and Technology Curriculum

"Design creates culture. Culture shapes values. Values determine the future." 

Robert L. Peters, designer and author

Curriculum Intent

At South View Community Primary School, we aim to nurture creativity and foster innovation to prepare our pupils for the future. We want our children to have a passion for designing and making to solve problems and meet needs.

 

Throughout time in school, the children will have the opportunity to develop new skills in a range of lessons promoting designing, making and evaluating. Design technology embraces many disciplines including textiles, food technology and computer-aided design (CAD) as well as the traditional structures and mechanisms. They will acquire a wide knowledge of how things work and will be exposed to subject- specific terminology, which will expand their vocabulary.

 

In addition, they will learn to use tools and equipment safely as well as use their creativity to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Children will consider their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as Science, Computing and Art. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology and its uses and effectiveness. Where possible, we embrace links with local businesses and participate in the Lego League.

 

Curriculum Implementation

At South View, our Design and Technology units are based on the National Curriculum. They have been carefully sequenced to ensure the progression of skills, embed key learning, and develop knowledge. Our staff aim to make meaningful links across subjects to deepen children’s learning and where possible, links have been made to the main topic driver for the term, however some units are taught discretely.

The 3 main strands of designing, making and evaluating permeate our Long-Term Plan.

In KS1, children will develop knowledge and skills though units of work focussing on structures, mechanisms, food technology and textiles.  

In KS2, children will further enhance their skills in these disciplines as well as exploring electrics and Computer Aided design (CAD)

Subject specific vocabulary is woven into lessons, which is modelled by the teacher. Children are encouraged to use the correct technical terms when discussing their work and the work of others.

 

Curriculum Impact

The impact of this curriculum design will lead to outstanding progress over time across Key Stages relative to a child’s starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave South View reaching at least age-related expectations for Design and Technology. Our Design and Technology curriculum will also lead pupils to be enthusiastic designers, evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice and their work.