Intent

Our aim  is that we give children a curriculum that promotes a passion and curiosity for learning. It is our vision that each child fulfils their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances, in a safe, stimulating and caring environment. We aim to develop a love of learning inspired by quality teaching, foster high aspirations and encourage positive self-esteem. Our Curriculum is built around the National Curriculum,

Design and Technology is a real and relevant subject that gives children the life skills they need to participate effectively in an increasingly technological world. Through the study of DT, children will acquire knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in other curriculum areas such as Maths, Science, Computing and Art and contribute to them becoming resourceful, enterprising and capable members of society.

Implementation

We teach Design and Technology each term with topics focusing on the knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum.

To enable the children to be immersed in an iterative process of designing and making, we deliver Design and Technology on a ‘D&T Day’ or days depending upon the content of the topic. Between Year 1 and Year 6, children will cover 18 different topics. These cover: Structures, Mechanisms & Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, Textiles, Programming and Electronics and Cooking & Nutrition, with a focus on practising the core skills of designing, making and evaluating as well as growing technical knowledge.

In Early Years, child initiated and adult directed D&T activities are planned for according to relevant topics which ensures that children are developing the prerequisite skills for D&T within the national curriculum.

Intended Impact

Within DT our aim is to ensure that children at Valley Road develop the practical capabilities and analytical and problem solving skills that will help prepare them for life beyond primary education. Children will have clear enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology that they will then apply to other areas of the curriculum. Through carefully planned and implemented learning activities the pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.

They gain a firm foundation of knowledge and skills to see them equipped to take on further learning in secondary school. Pupil’s skills and knowledge are assessed ongoingly by the class teacher, throughout lessons.

Each term the Design and Technology coordinator  will undertake a variety of monitoring activities to measure the impact of our curriculum. This usually involves

• Interviewing the children about their learning (pupil voice)

• Regular book look

• Photo and video evidence and images of the children’s practical learning

Design Technology  Long Term Plan

The EYFS curriculum is structured very differently to the National Curriculum, as it is organised across seven areas of learning, rather than subject areas.  Separate documentation details the progression of skill pupils will acquire across Early Years, in readiness for Year 1.