Design & Technology is used as a driver for children to harness their creative thinking and the exploration of imaginative design concepts, in this subject we create solutions to problems in different ‘real-world situations’. It forms an introductory knowledge of Design Industries and prepares children to build a plethora of technical skills, to become creative problem-solvers, through individual and group-based tasks. In the future these modes of thinking could encourage our aspiring young engineers and entrepreneurs to make innovative changes to our environments preparing them to take part in the development of our rapidly changing world as technology advances.
At Adderley we platform the foundations of Design & Technology in Reception through ‘Expressive Arts & Design’ and ‘Understanding the World’ activities, then build upon their understanding from Year 1 right the way through to Year 6, gradually they build a bank of subject specific vocabulary and essential subject knowledge that helps them follow the process of: Designing, Making and Evaluating. We design as a response from everyday life scenarios and we make products, adapting them based on functionality in evaluation. Children work within a variety of contexts implemented through the Kapow Schemes of Work. These provide practical experiences where children can learn how to communicate their ideas throughout the designing process, using a range of tools, equipment and foods safely to cut, join, shape, prepare and evaluate their product against a design criterion. We believe it is important that children are taught about healthy eating so it is embedded throughout
Food Technology projects with the focus mainly on nutrition, food preparation, food safety and cooking.
We advocate highly for our children to vocally articulate ideas using our Voice 21 initiative; which runs as a means to gauge their knowledge gained over the duration of projects in whole school practice, by listening to other peers’ ideas treating them with respect, and eloquently using subject specific vocabulary to communicate them, our intent is that children develop a respect for each other, staff and the school, imparting the same values at home and in the wider community. Our intent is to teach Design & Technology to all children at our school, regardless of their ability. All staff and Teachers play a part in the inspiration of our children, we do this by keeping our knowledge relevant and up to date, adapting lessons and personalising learning to meet the needs of every child.
We understand that children learn best if they enjoy their learning and feel inspired by what they see and experience. Where possible we implement enrichment experiences for children which may include visits, guest speakers and clubs.
Our intentions and impacts through D&T are ultimately…
- To provide specialist knowledge for all staff to support lessons
- To teach an exciting and engaging Design Technology programme
- To meet all the requirements of the National Curriculum
- To listen to children’s opinions regarding the teaching of DT
- To provide enrichment opportunities linked to DT
- To support children so they can access DT lessons
- To impart subject knowledge and skills
- To give children the opportunities to engage, develop, innovate and express themselves with the learning of DT
- To support children in designing, making & evaluating as well as building their subject vocabulary
- To teach children about the importance of healthy eating and nutrition
- To provide cooking opportunities to teach & develop life skills
- To give children access to a range of cooking appliances and resources
- To give children access to a range of tools and materials
- To support staff with the teaching of DT
- To support children’s cultural capital through DT
- Trips and visits linked to DT projects
- Small group teaching for children who require additional support
- Use of the Kapow Pedagogy
- Timetabled slots for the teaching of creative subjects
- A wide range of DT lessons teaching the National Curriculum requirements
- A fully stocked resource base with a wide range of materials
- Access to the computing suite to provide additional DT resources
- Staff training and support
Impact
- Children and staff benefit from specialist support and advice readily available
- Children partake in exciting and engaging lessons and activities
- Children are given opportunities to see DT in real life situations
- Children guide their learning by giving staff their feedback and opinions
- Children feel empowered and involved in their education and what they are being taught
- Children feel valued and listened to
- Children receive more focused support when required
- Children feel excitement and enjoyment from DT lessons
- Children gain knowledge and skills they can transfer into the wider world
- Children gain a healthy approach to food and nutrition
- Children get to use real life appliances in real life settings
- Children can use other school resources to support and further their DT leaning
- Staff feel empowered and more confident in teaching DT