Design and Technology curriculum

Design and Technology (DT) is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils 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 acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on subjects such as maths, science, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education make an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Through our Creative Curriculum, we intend to:

• Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
• Build and apply a range of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality products for a wide range of users 
• Evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others 
• Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

At Wessex, we aim to deliver a Design and Technology (DT) curriculum to inspire children’s curiosity, interest and appreciation for the world that we live in. Our 4-year rolling long-term plan ensures that all children are given opportunities to explore and develop knowledge and skills.

We implement this by:

Teaching DT over the 4-year rolling long term plan. Each year group teaches DT in a block at least once per long term. We use the nationally well-regarded scheme of work: Projects on a Page, which is produced by The Design and Technology Association. The plans are:

• Year 1/2 Mechanisms - Sliders and levers
• Year 1/2 Structures - Freestanding structures
• Year 1/2 Food - Preparing fruit and vegetables
• Year 1/2 Textiles - Templates and joining techniques
• Year 1/2 Mechanisms - Wheels and axles

• Year 3/4 Mechanical Systems - Levers and linkages
• Year 3/4 Mechanical Systems - Pneumatics
• Year 3/4 Structures - Shell structures using computer-aided design
• Year 3/4 Electrical Systems - Simple programming and control
• Year 3/4 Textiles - 2-D shape to 3-D product
• Year 3/4 Food - Healthy and varied diet
• Year 3/4 Structures - Shell structures
• Year 3/4 Electrical Systems - Simple circuits and switches

• Year 5/6 Food - Celebrating culture and seasonality
• Year 5/6 Textiles - Combining different fabric shapes
• Year 5/6 Structures - Frame structures
• Year 5/6 Electrical Systems - More complex switches and circuits
• Year 5/6 Mechanical Systems - Pulleys or gears
• Year 5/6 Mechanical Systems - Cams
• Year 5/6 Textiles - Using computer-aided design in textiles
• Year 5/6 Electrical Systems - Monitoring and control

Each project is chosen carefully to link meaningfully to the overarching theme of the term to ensure progression and National Curriculum coverage.

Children are taught to:

Design

• Use research and develop design criteria to inform their design of products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups.
• Generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design (CAD).

Make

• Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (cutting, shaping, joining and finishing) accurately. 
• Select and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients.

Evaluate

• Investigate and analyse a range of existing products.
• Evaluate their designs and ideas against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.
• Understand how key events and individuals have helped shape the world of technical knowledge.
• Apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce complex structures.
• Understand and use mechanical systems in their products.
• Understand and use electrical systems in their products.
• Apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.

Early Years Foundation Stage

During the EYFS pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. They have the opportunities to learn to:

• Use different media and materials to express their own ideas
• Use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about form, function and purpose
• Make plans and construct with a purpose in mind using a variety of resources
• Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques appropriately, effectively and safely
• Select appropriate resources for a product and adapt their work where necessary
• Cook and prepare food adhering to good health and hygiene routines

Impact

Through high quality first teaching taking place, we will see the impact of the subject in different ways:

• High quality and well-planned lessons which encourage progression of knowledge and skills.
• Listening to children talk enthusiastically about the subject.
• Seeing excellent examples of children’s’ work throughout the school.

Through our curriculum, pupils learn to think critically and ask perceptive questions. In order to ensure our aims have been met, we scrutinise topics through:

• Assessment of children’s understanding of topics before and after a unit is taught.
• Interviews with the pupils about their learning (pupil voice).
• Sharing good practice in phase and staff meetings.
• Discussing knowledge and shills taught with teachers during transition meetings.