design Technology

Intent:

At Jolesfield Church of England Primary School, we want our children to develop a love of learning, grow in confidence and flourish. We recognise high-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation. Our intent is to ensure a high quality Design and Technology curriculum that engages, inspires and challenges all children. So that we create designers of the future who have a clear knowledge of the design process, are creative and aspire to contribute to the innovations of future society.  

Through sequenced lessons, the children will become proficient in a range of skills within the key areas of Design and Technology: construction, textiles, food and nutrition and sheet materials. To supplement this, they will learn to use subject specific vocabulary and knowledge to thoughtfully comment and critically analyse design that they see and the techniques that are used. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Children draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Throughout the school, each stage of the whole design process is carefully balanced; developing ideas, planning ideas, communicating ideas, making and evaluating elements are equally valued.

Implementation:

• The progressive curriculum is planned and taught by following Planning on a Page, which is a sequenced scheme that gradually develops the knowledge and skills of all children across the key areas of Design and Technology.
• The lesson plans are detailed but adapted to the needs of individuals. The programme offers the opportunity for individual assessment of each child, which is used to inform future planning.
• Three DT topics are taught across the school year. 
• Each year the topics Construction and Food and Nutrition are taught. Textiles and Sheet Materials are alternated in Cycle A and Cycle B.
• Each Design topic covers five areas of skill development, including Developing ideas, Planning ideas, Communicating ideas, Making and Evaluating.
• Each Making Skills section focuses on the knowledge and vocabulary that is related to the unit’s topic.

EYFS

Within Early Years, children explore Design and Technology through ‘Expressive Art and Design’. They will find out about Construction, Textiles and Sheet Materials through focussed ‘Making Skills’ lessons. They will also explore Food and Nutrition through ‘Personal, Social and Emotional Development’ Their environment fosters curiosity and encourages explorative play. Children enjoy spending time in the making areas of the classroom and outdoor area. Design and Technology vocabulary is introduced and modelled.