Purpose of study

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.

Aims

The Cathedral School curriculum for DT 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.

 

Organisation

·         We carry out curriculum planning in DT in three phases (long, medium, and short term). The long-term curriculum map specifies the DT topics studied in each term for Year 1/2, Year 3/4 and Year 5/6.

·         As we have mixed year groups we operate our curriculum on a 2 year rolling programme (Year A and Year B). We teach the knowledge, skills and understanding set out in the National Curriculum through the corresponding programme of study.

·         Learning objectives to be covered by each team are available as documents on the server.

·         Planning is cross curricular and links in to the themed curriculum planned by each year group.

·         DT may be taught in weekly one hour lessons or may be blocked to allow time to cover and achieve an objective.

·         DT in Key Stage 1 is taught in topic blocks. During the 3/4 week block children will access a range of adult led and independent tasks as part of the continuous provision. These will be recorded in books or using the online learning journey (Tapestry) as appropriate.