DT at St.John's

Vision statement for Design Technology

Subject Vision (Intent, Implementation, Impact): 

At St John’s C of E Primary, it is our intent that we implement our vision of John 10:10 through all areas of school life, including the curriculum.  

“I came that they have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10 

“Design and technology 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 disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, 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 makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.” National Curriculum 2014

INTENT

At St. John’s children our Design and Technology curriculum enables our children to exercise their creativity through designing and making. The children are taught to combine their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding to design, create and evaluate a product.

IMPLEMENTATION

Design and Technology skills are taught progressively to ensure that all children are able to learn and practise in order to develop as they move through the school. Children are encouraged to adapt and improve their work throughout the design and making process. Skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. All teaching of DT follows the design, make and evaluate cycle with each stage being rooted in technical knowledge. The design process is based on real life contexts to give meaning to learning. While making, children are given a choice and range of tools and materials to choose from. Children evaluate their products against design criteria. Each of these steps are rooted in technical knowledge and vocabulary. The key skills we teach the children are:

· sewing and textiles

· cooking and nutrition

· mechanical components

Design Technology is usually taught in short blocks so that the stages flow from one to the other and the children are motivated to create designs, try out ideas, make final products and evaluate their work.

IMPACT

Design Technology gives our children the opportunity to develop independence in their learning through creating their own designs and products. They also learn to work cooperatively with others, considering their ideas and completing tasks constructively. Through design based on research, the children show initiative and ask questions to develop a detailed knowledge of users’ needs. They develop a thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products. They develop the ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.