Stonham AspalOur Design & Technology Curriculum
Intent
The Design and Technology curriculum at Stonham Aspal CEVA Primary School provides our pupils with the opportunity to tackle problems of a practical nature and develop a range of tool skills. The cross curricular nature of Design and Technology offers a setting for children to apply knowledge and skills linked to other subjects, including science and history. Skills are developed using materials, tools and mechanics which are used to design and make structures, mechanisms, textiles and food products. Children work collaboratively – discussing their design ideas; working cooperatively to make their products; evaluating the own work and the products of others.
Curriculum progression is clearly set out in our Progression of Skills planning document, which follows the National Curriculum objectives. It has been carefully structured to allow frequent opportunities for children to practice and embed key skills and concepts. From Foundation Stage onwards we plan opportunities for our children to explore materials, practice their construction and design skills and express themselves creatively. This is an experience we feel many of our children need when beginning their journey as designers and engineers at Stonham Aspal.
We ensure that we meet the needs of all pupils, allowing them the opportunity to access the full and broad curriculum through carefully planned support as required.
Design Technology areas taught across the school
Implementation
From Foundation Stage through to Year 6, pupils are given opportunities to explore the use of materials and tools; to design and make prototypes; to discuss how things work; and to discuss how they could be improved. They are presented with design problems to solve, working both as part of a team and individually. Design and Technology is taught through areas of learning in accordance with EYFS documents and the National Curriculum for KS1 and KS2.
The Design and Technology curriculum concentrates on the four main aspects of the design process, as well as a focus on cooking and nutrition:
- - Design – generating, developing, modelling and communicating design ideas, using traditional and digital techniques
- - Make – selecting and using a range of materials, ingredients and equipment to perform practical tasks
- - Evaluate – exploring, investigating and analysing products; as well as a wider-world appreciation for key events and individuals in the field
- - Technical knowledge – essential understanding of systems such as electrical and mechanical: application of computing to program, monitor and control products
- - Cooking and nutrition – key principles in food such as healthy, balanced diets and seasonality.
Impact
Design and Technology is monitored through a variety of strategies, including: planning and evaluation scrutiny, lesson observation, book and product looks and pupil voice. Summative assessments take place throughout the year and teachers record the progress and attainment against the National Curriculum expectations of attainment and statements using Insight. Teachers use this information to inform future lessons; ensuring children are supported and challenged appropriately. This data is analysed regularly to inform and address any trends or gaps in attainment. Information is also gathered through pupil questionnaires, which highlight both strengths and achievements and the knowledge and skills that require further work in order to be embedded.
Final end of year assessments are made using criteria that have been developed in line with the National Curriculum to identify the level at which the child is working. Children in EYFS are assessed within Physical Development and Expressive Arts and Design and their progress is tracked termly. Age related expectation levels are reported to parents at the end of each year.
The teaching of the use of tools, cooking equipment and sewing equipment is progressive, building year on year, to ensure that by the end of Key Stage 2, pupils have a full range of skills and understand how to use equipment safely.
As part of Food Technology there are opportunities for children to sample their cooking and take it home. Baking Club is also offered to pupils and gives a time to learn about food, balanced diet, farming, the eatwell plate.
The children will experience the whole design process from the issue, through planning, trial and error prototypes, finished products and evaluation to see if further improvements are necessary.
Please click here for the National Curriculum Design and Technology content 2014 onwards
Design Technology Knowledge and Skills progression map
Design Technology
