Design & Technology Curriculum Lead: Miss Bennett

Intent:

We intend for our curriculum to support children in knowing more, remembering more and understanding more. We want our curriculum to encourage children to be interested in design technology as a subject in the future, both at high school and beyond. We intend for children to master design and technology to such an extent that they can go on to have careers within design and technology and make use of design and technology effectively in their everyday lives.

Aims: The national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

• Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
• Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
• Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
• Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

2. Curriculum Overview

At St. Michael's, we follow the Kapow DT Curriculum, which provides a comprehensive framework for delivering DT education. This curriculum is designed to ensure that students engage with a broad range of topics and skills, including:

• Designing: Developing ideas through sketches and plans, considering purpose and functionality.
• Making: Using tools and materials to create functional products.
• Evaluating: Assessing their own and others' work to improve and refine products.
• Technical Knowledge: Understanding the properties of materials and mechanisms.

3. Curriculum Objectives

The objectives of our DT curriculum are to:

1. Inspire Creativity: Encourage students to develop imaginative and innovative solutions to design challenges.
2. Enhance Practical Skills: Equip students with the ability to use a range of tools and materials safely and effectively.
3. Develop Problem-Solving Abilities: Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills through designing and making tasks.
4. Encourage Collaboration: Promote teamwork and communication through group projects and peer evaluations.
5. Build Knowledge: Develop an understanding of materials, processes, and technologies relevant to modern DT practice.

4. Implementation

The Kapow DT Curriculum scheme of work provides a progressive and detailed plan for each year group. It is structured to build on prior knowledge and skills, ensuring continuity and progression throughout Key Stages 1 and 2. Teachers will follow this scheme to deliver lessons that meet the National Curriculum requirements.

Lesson Structure

DT lessons will typically include:

• Introduction: Setting the context and objectives of the lesson.
• Main Activity: Engaging students in designing, making, and evaluating their products.
• Reflection: Reviewing what has been learned and how it can be applied in future tasks.

Resources

Teachers will use a range of resources, including tools, materials, and digital technologies, to support the DT curriculum. Resources will be selected to ensure safety and appropriateness for the age and ability of the students.

Health and Safety

A key component of DT education is ensuring that students use tools and materials safely. Teachers will:

• Provide clear instructions and demonstrations.
• Supervise closely during practical activities.
• Ensure all tools and materials are maintained in good condition.

5. Assessment and Monitoring

Formative Assessment

Teachers will use ongoing formative assessment to monitor students’ progress. This includes:

• Observations during practical activities.
• Reviewing design portfolios and project evaluations.
• Providing feedback to support improvement.

Summative Assessment

At the end of each unit, teachers will assess students' achievements against the objectives of the Kapow DT Curriculum. This will include:

• Evaluating completed projects.
• Assessing students’ ability to apply design and making skills.
• Reviewing written reflections and evaluations.

Assessment results will be reported to parents/carers as part of the regular reporting cycle. This will include an overview of the student’s achievements in DT and areas for future development.

6. Professional Development

Teachers will engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated with the latest DT practices and methodologies. Training may include workshops, conferences, and collaboration with other schools.

7. Review and Evaluation

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure it remains relevant and effective. Feedback from teachers, students, and parents will be considered in this review process.

Design Technology is usually linked to other areas of our enquiry based curriculum. Using creativity and imagination children investigate needs, design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. They evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop an understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.