Design Technology
Intent
At St Michael’s, we know that design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, our 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 disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Our 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. We understand that highquality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
Implementation
Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure that children build upon their prior learning. In Early Years, children learn the foundation of this subject discipline through developing their knowledge of tools and materials and being given the freedom to develop their innovative designing skills. The DT tasks fall under the EYFS category Expressive Arts and Design: Creating with materials. From Year 1 to year 6 children experience three units per year (one per term) and these have been carefully mapped out to ensure regular repetition and development of key concepts in the subject. The units covered are; mechanisms, structures, textiles, mechanical systems, electrical systems and food. Units begin with a recap of prior knowledge and learning. We utilise resources from Projects on a page and the DT association. Through our Design and technology curriculum children consider the six essentials of good practice in D & T, considering: user, purpose, functionality, design decisions, innovation and authenticity.
Impact
The impact of our DT curriculum is currently being evaluated. This is being done through conversations with our pupils (Pupil voice), formal and informal assessments which includes scrutiny of teaching and learning, and observations in the classrooms.
Kowledge Organisers
Find out what each year group will be learning in D.T.