The Design & Technology Curriculum
Rationale
At FMPS our school motto is ‘Forever Making Pupils Shine’ and this statement pervades all areas of school life and the curriculum. In DT at FMPS, we aim to inspire pupils with relevant high-quality teaching which is accessible to all children. Design and Technology develops children’s skills and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials, including food. It encourages children’s creativity and encourages them to think about important issues.
As outlined in the National Curriculum document, we follow a ‘Design, Make, Evaluate’ approach to the teaching and learning of DT, and celebrate this with a Maker of the Term display representing the work of each class.
What we intend our children to know
Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils will design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils will learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they will develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
How we will ensure pupils learn the knowledge that we have identified
At FMPS we provide our pupils with opportunities to develop their skills, using a variety of tools and materials, including card, plastic, wood, textiles and food. Children are encouraged to plan, design, make and also evaluate their work through a variety of creative and practical activities.
We believe that children should learn to produce practical solutions to real problems and in so doing they will not only develop their technical understanding and making skills, but they will also learn about design methods and investigate their environment and the materials around them.
During Design Technology lessons, the children will develop the values of working together, open mindedness, risk takers, enquirers, communicators, collaboration, creativity, enthusiasm and adaptability.
Clear and meaningful feedback provided by teachers is driven by the desire to eliminate misconception and to further embed, deepen and challenge knowledge and understanding. Staff attend training, observe lessons and plan thoroughly to ensure expert subject knowledge. They use the progression of skills document to ensure that previous learning is built upon and coverage is achieved.
Impact
Assessment for learning plays a critical role in identifying skills and knowledge taught. Knowing more, remembering more and being able to do more are indicators of progress. Learning should build towards an end point and children should be prepared for their next stage of learning. Through assessment for learning, staff target misconceptions and gaps in learning by carefully adapting planning to ensure all children are meeting year group expectations.
You can view our Progression Grid below:
You can view our DT Statement of Intent below
To view photographs of our DT Lessons please follow the link below:
