Design Technology Curriculum Statement
Intent
In teaching Design Technology, and in line with the 2014 National Curriculum, our aim is to encourage children to learn to think creatively in order to solve problems and create products that cover the ‘three P’s’: creating a product that is fit for purpose and designed for a specific person (or persons). The children will also have opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present Design Technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers in a rapidly changing world of technology.
Our aim is for children to:
Design
- use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups
- generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design
Make
- select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing) accurately
- select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities
Evaluate
- investigate and analyse a range of existing products
- evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work
- understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world
Technical knowledge
- apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures
- understand and use mechanical systems in their products
- understand and use electrical systems in their products
- apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products
Implementation
At Castle View Primary School, Design Technology is taught using a blocked curriculum approach. Our topic led curriculum links Design Technology with other areas of learning including Mathematics, Science, Computing and Art. Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. The children work in a range of contexts, from home to the wider environment, making their learning relevant and purposeful.
This ensures that children are able to develop depth in their knowledge and skills through the duration of each of their Design Technology topics and show progress throughout their time at Castle View Primary School. Teachers use the LPDS (Lancashire Professional Development Service) scheme of work to deliver the topics but may supplement other materials to ensure the curriculum meets our children’s needs. The school has a range of specific Design Technology resources that are available for this purpose.
External opportunities are actively sought out that offer the children the chance to participate in projects and collaborate within the wider communities.
Impact
By building on their knowledge of Design Technology and how a design system works, children are equipped to use design technology to create products that cover the ‘three P’s’: creating a product that is fit for purpose and designed for a specific person (or persons). Our Design Technology curriculum ensures that children are able to express themselves and develop their ideas through design technology at a level suitable for the future workplace and as active participants in a technologically creative world.
Children 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.