Design Technology Curriculum
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.
Intent
At St Agnes Primary School, we hold a strong commitment to the teaching of Design Technology, considering it an integral aspect of our school life. Our dedication is evident through our commitment to delivering a curriculum that is rich in practical activities designed to engage all our students. We firmly believe that by developing this aspect of education, we can contribute significantly to enhancing our students' appreciation of design and its impact on the world around them. Design Technology serves as a means to support learning in diverse ways. Our goal is to utilize Design Technology to stimulate imagination and ingenuity, celebrate inventors, architects and famous designers throughout history, and provide a robust platform for children to explore a wide range of perspectives. Our Design Technology curriculum is designed with the primary objective of equipping children with the knowledge and skills to conceive, design, and craft viable products tailored to specific users and purposes. Rooted in an enquiry-based approach and problem-solving skills, this curriculum fosters a deep sense of creativity and critical thinking. Students are encouraged to explore real-world challenges and engage in hands-on projects that mirror the design process, from ideation to the creation of functional products. Through this experiential learning, they not only gain proficiency in various tools, materials, and techniques but also develop a keen understanding of user needs and the practical applications of their creations. In doing so, a DT curriculum not only nurtures the next generation of designers and innovators but also empowers children to make meaningful contributions to society by addressing real-life problems through innovative solutions.
Implementation
In our pursuit of maintaining high standards of teaching and learning in Design Technology, we have implemented a progressive curriculum across the entire school. DT is taught as part of our topic-based curriculum, with a sharp focus on the requisite knowledge and skills outlined in the National Curriculum. In alignment with EYFS and National Curriculum expectations, we aim to ensure that all pupils can create innovative solutions, exploring their ideas and documenting their experiences within the realm of Design Technology. Our Design Technology curriculum is designed to ensure that students achieve proficiency in a variety of crucial aspects within the field. This encompasses planning, designing, constructing, testing, and evaluating their own products, providing them with hands-on experience in the design process. They are also equipped with the ability to critically assess and analyse creative works using the specialized language of Design Technology. Furthermore, students gain valuable knowledge about influential designers, craft makers, and the historical and cultural development of design, offering them a broader context for their creative accomplishments. Additionally, our curriculum emphasizes the effective utilization of technology and computing skills, preparing students to thrive in an increasingly technological world. Finally, students also explore the principles of nutrition and experiment with diverse culinary skills, fostering a well-rounded understanding of practical applications within the realm of Design Technology. In Year 5 and 6, children partake in the Year 6 Business Challenge, entailing the planning, procurement of materials (with a loan cap of £100), and production of a product, with all profits designated for their chosen charity. The children engage in a 'Trade Day' at our local Tesco Extra, competing against other Year 6 businesses, with 'mystery shoppers' assessing their product quality, presentation, sales techniques, and profit margins. This remarkable experience nurtures business skills and enhances the children's understanding of quality assurance within a real-world context. The competition also features a 'Dragon’s Den' element, further refining essential skills. We are proactive in seeking out opportunities to connect with external agencies and experts, leveraging our partnership with the Dovestone Learning Partnership (DLP) to enhance the quality of our Design Technology education. Over the course of the year, our students embark on various Design Technology projects that they not only present, but also offer for sale at our Winter and Summer fairs. This practice instils a profound sense of purpose in their creations and nurtures strong community connections as our students share their innovative work with the broader community, enriching their educational journey.
Our Curriculum in Pictures
Please click on the picture link to visit our gallery illustrating how our Design Technology curriculum is taught.
EYFS Expressive Arts and Design
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EYFS Medium Term Planning Expressive Arts and Design Autumn 1 - All About Me | [pdf 98KB] |
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EYFS Medium Term Planning Expressive Arts and Design Autumn 2 - Traditional Tales | [pdf 98KB] |
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EYFS Medium Term Planning Expressive Arts and Design Spring 1 - People Who Help Us | [pdf 97KB] |
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EYFS Medium Term Planning Expressive Arts and Design Spring 2 - Fantasy | [pdf 98KB] |
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EYFS Medium Term Planning Expressive Arts and Design Summer 1 - Minibeasts | [pdf 95KB] |
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EYFS Medium Term Planning Expressive Arts and Design Summer 2 - Countries | [pdf 96KB] |
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Design Technology Learning Journey
Please select the document below.
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DT Learning Journey | [pdf 198KB] |
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Design Technology Sticky Learning
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Class 2 DT Food Glorious Food | [pdf 111KB] |
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Class 2 DT Moving Pictures | [pdf 105KB] |
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Class 2 DT Puppets | [pdf 80KB] |
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Class 2 DT We have lift off! | [pdf 109KB] |
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Class 3 DT Delightful Dinners | [pdf 107KB] |
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Class 3 DT Fast Future | [pdf 106KB] |
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Class 3 DT Mechanical Posters | [pdf 136KB] |
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Class 3 DT Perilous Plastics | [pdf 106KB] |
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Class 4 DT Business Challenge | [pdf 108KB] |
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Class 4 DT Fairytale Fashion | [pdf 107KB] |
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Class 4 DT Fantastic Beasts (Automata Animals) | [pdf 100KB] |
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Class 4 DT Master Chef | [pdf 113KB] |
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Impact
Our students derive great satisfaction from the avenue for self-expression that Design Technology provides. They exhibit an unwavering enthusiasm for acquiring new skills and diligently strive to improve those they have been introduced to. In Design Technology, their work often intersects with various subjects, particularly Computing, History and Science, reinforcing the significance of this discipline. To measure their progress, we assess our students in Design Technology, evaluating their skills, knowledge, product suitability, and grasp of technical vocabulary. We employ the 'sticky learning' approach, which aids in retention and serves as a foundation for further skill development. Through this process, our students continually build upon the skills they have acquired, fostering ongoing growth and proficiency in Design Technology.
Design Technology National Curriculum
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The National Curriculum KS1 and KS2 Design Technology Programme |