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Dynamic DT

At Walford Primary School, we value D&T as 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.

INTENT

A Walford Nursery & Primary School pupil will:

Demonstrate the ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
Have the ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
Exhibit the ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
Have a thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
Show the ability to apply mathematical knowledge.
Be able to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.
Have a passion for the subject and knowledge of up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.

IMPLEMENTATION

What does our D&T curriculum look like?

Teachers will:

plan exciting progressive lessons which build on prior knowledge based on teaching on structures, mechanisms, textiles and food technology;
create a learning environment that supports learning and that engages children’s interest in the topic being studied, e.g. role play areas, interactive displays;
conduct regular book scrutiny, pupil perceptions and planning audits;
undertake regular whole school professional development.

Children will be supported by:

differentiated work, where appropriate, to ensure all children are able to meet the learning objective;
small group or 1:1 adult support, when required;
the use of effective questioning;
the use of teacher and self-assessment to quickly identify any child who requires additional support in specific areas (if required, pupils will receive additional support or resources to use);
the use of Knowledge Organisers to support learning;
the use of key vocabulary within lessons;
the use of retrieval activities, e.g. Flash Back 4.

Children will be challenged by:

differentiated lessons;
the use of effective questioning;
additional activities to stretch their learning within lessons.

All children can access the curriculum by:

pre-taught vocabulary sessions, when appropriate (SEND or EAL);
seating children alongside good role models who can provide additional support;
providing visual / practical prompts;
teaching lessons using a range of different techniques to appeal to different learning styles, e.g. videos, drama, artefacts, texts etc.

IMPACT

Our Design and Technology curriculum facilitates sequential learning and long-term progression of knowledge and skills. Teaching and learning methods provide regular opportunities to recap acquired knowledge through high quality questioning, discussion, modelling and explaining to aid retrieval at the beginning and end of a lesson or unit. This will enable all children to alter their long-term memory and know more, remember more and be able to do more as designers and makers.

Curriculum:

Pupils will be taught in line with the National Curriculum and will experience Design and Technology (D&T) as part of their cross-curricular learning where appropriate.

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils should be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in a process of designing and making. They should work in a range of relevant contexts [for example, the home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community, industry and the wider environment].

As part of their work with food, pupils should be taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.

Foundation Stage

Children explore and select materials and equipment using skills such as cutting, joining, folding and building.

Key Stage 1

When designing and making, pupils should be taught to:

Design

design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria.
generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock- ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology.

Make

select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing]
select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics

Evaluate

explore and evaluate a range of existing products
evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria.

Technical Knowledge

build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable
explore and use mechanisms [for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles], in their products.

Cooking and Nutrition

use the basic principles of a healthy and varied diet to prepare dishes
understand where food comes from.

Key Stage 2