Intent

In DT we would like our children to:

• experience an exciting and enabling learning environment
• follow a design, make and evaluate approach to solve real or relevant problems
• develop their creative and imaginative thinking and their technical vocabulary
• sometimes work in a team both cooperatively and flexibly
• be able to voice their opinions (likes and dislikes/what may or may not work) when designing and making
• be able to draw or model their ideas
• be able to select the most appropriate tools or techniques to use when making
• be aware of safety procedures and act on these
• understand how technology is created, used and developed in our world
• understand how some technological processes in the world are trying to help us improve our lives

Implementation

In the Early Years at The Lanes, the children develop essential basic skills in design and technology which prepares them for their transition into Year 1. The Early Years team create many opportunities for the children to carry out DT related activities across all the areas of learning.

In KS1 and KS2, DT at The Lanes is taught within topic blocks throughout the year, so that children can achieve depth in their learning. Teachers have identified the key knowledge and skills of each blocked topic and consideration has been given to ensure progression across topics throughout each year group across the school.

DT projects are delivered with a clear structure. Year groups will undertake a variety of construction topics, textile topics and/or food/drink topics.

Clear and appropriate cross curricular links are made to underpin learning in many areas across the curriculum giving the children opportunities to learn life skills and apply skills to ‘hands on’ situations.

Topic books will be marked and assessed against the curriculum objective. Sometimes children will also be asked to self-evaluate their work.

DT focussed displays may appear in classrooms alongside other displays around school that may celebrate good practice and exemplify the terminology and vocabulary used.

Independent learning: In DT children may be asked to solve problems and develop their learning independently, allowing the children to have ownership over their curriculum and lead their own learning in DT.

Collaborative learning: In DT children may be asked to work as part of a team learning to support and help one another towards a worthwhile but challenging goal.

Impact

Children will have been helped to prepare to deal with tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. Allowing them to reflect on and evaluate present and past design & technology and assessing its use and impact in today’s world.

We hope that DT will help children to become more informed future consumers and many to become potential future innovators.

The children’s developing knowledge and skills will encourage them to become independent, creative problem-solvers and think as individuals and as part of a team.

As well as meeting National Curriculum requirements, children will combine their practical skills with an understanding of artistic, social and environmental issues.