Design and Technology

Purpose and Aims

Purpose:

For pupils to be engaged in designing and making 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.

Aims:

• To master practical skills when working with food, materials, textiles, electricity, construction materials, mechanics and computing
• To design make, evaluate and improve

To take inspiration from designer throughout history.

Provision

Our curriculum is categorised in 2 ways

• Breadth - which gives pupils experiences of a range of Design and technological experiences covering food, materials, textiles, electricity, construction materials, mechanics and computing
• Depth - which helps pupils to think and act like designers and makers who carry out research, ask questions, work constructively and independently.

Whilst coverage is our goal for the “breadth” element, repetition and increasing the understanding is our goal for the “depth” element.

Our curriculum drivers shape our approach to teaching art and design so that every opportunity is taken to relate design technology to the needs of our pupils. Design technology is studied throughout each academic year and across each key stage so that pupils can gain a growing developmental understanding of the matters, skills and processes in our curriculum. Coherent contexts for learning engage and involve pupil.

Progression and Assessment

Our progression has 3 key objectives which mirror the 3 aims of the subject. We set out our expectations around Chris Quigley Essentials “mile stones” approach. Each milestone has a set of indicators that re repeated throughout 3 cognitive domains: Basic (We call it Paddling), Advancing (we call in snorkelling) and Deep (we call it diving). It is expected that the vast majority of pupils will have an advancing understanding by the end of the milestone and some will have a deep understanding.

Assessment and reporting

We will assess the pupil’s depth of understanding each term and use this to forecast as to whether pupils are on track to meet our curriculum expectations for the end of the milestone.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Improvement

The role of the leader in monitoring pupil’s outcomes is to audit teacher’s judgements. This is done collectively in staff meetings and then collated by the leader. The leader then works collectively with the teachers to examine the strengths of the provision along with the areas for development for the provision. The leaders then create an action plan to improve achievement. The leader keeps track of the improvements they have secured over time to understand how effect the provision is.

Year 6, Shakespeare Class, Dream Catchers

Team Shakespeare had an awesome start to their Dream Catcher project, in school, by learning to construct and weave using CDs.

Year 1 Elmer Class, Sliding Mechanisms

In D.T we have been busy learning about sliding mechanisms to start our unit on 'Moving Pictures' - see videos below! The quality of the work the children have been producing at home (and school) has been phenomenal, please keep up all the fantastic work!

Year 4/5 Dr Seuss Class, Cushion Cover Textiles

It’s been a tricky challenge but Dr Seuss class are nearly there with their cushion-making DT project!

Year 5 Dahl Class, Cushion Cover Textiles

In Year 5 Dahl class we looked at designing our very own cushion covers. We practised lots of different techniques needed in order to achieve our desired look. Amongst others we learnt how to use and create running stitch, over stich, back stitch, buttons and button holes, applique, fasteners to name but a few. Sewing experts at the ready!

Year 6 Shakespeare Class, Pop Art Christmas cards

As awesome artists, Year 6 has lots of fun creating Christmas cards in the style of Andy Warhol’s Pop Art.

Year 6 Shakespeare Class, Felt flowers

Beautiful felt flowers made by Year 6 which were included in a Garland along with flowers made by our fare home buddies (small acts of kindness project). The dye was made from flowers grown at the Oval which linked to their Heritage history project.

Year 1 Elmer Class, Moon Buggies

Year 1 were appointed by NASA to design and create their own Moon Buggy.  We can report that the mission was completed!

Year 3/4 Kerr Class, chopping and peeling

Kerr class chopping and pealing vegetables for their DT topic about great British food.

Year 3/4 Kerr Class Newspaper Towers & Shortbread

In Year 3/4 Kerr class we have looked at resilience this week. We had a competition on who could build the tallest newspaper tower using only newspapers and tape. No scissors in this challenge! In Design & Technology we have been trying different flavours of shortbread.

Year 4 Austen Class and Design Technology

Austen class started making their photo frames in Design Technology. Today they focused on accurate measuring. A fantastic start to our creative frames!

How do you strengthen and join paper? 

As part of our DT learning in Austen class, we have been experimenting with how to make paper structures more stable. We have managed to make paper stronger using layering, twisting, rolling and folding.

 

Making Our Own Moving Toys, Year 6 Shakespeare Class

This week in Shakespeare class we have had a Design Technology filled week making our own moving toys. The children had to create their own prototype first of all looking at how the cams work using a follower. We had to do lots of problem solving to make sure holes were the right size, followers had something flat on the bottom and the cams were secure. The children then created their own individual toys, as you can see by the photos, they look fantastic! The children learnt how to use saws and glue guns safely. Well done Shakespeare class.

Shortbread Recipe, Year 4, Austen Class

Learning to independently follow a recipe to make shortbread today. I loved their use of technical vocabulary whilst cooking. Well done Austen class!