Design Technology
The DT curriculum at Sankey Valley St James is based upon the National Curriculum. Our DT is taught in distinct units as we believe this is the best way to develop the key skills. The units and the key skills can be found on our Design and Technology long term plan.
Our vision in Design Technology
Our vision in Design Technology is that we believe that every child should have a curriculum that stimulates creativity, imagination and exploration by providing opportunities to develop skills, concepts and knowledge of design and techniques. Through the iterative design process we encourage our children to be individuals by continually evolving their ideas and them being able to communicate their ideas with confidence. We believe that experiences in Design & Technology are an anchor to knowledge building being memorable, and our children can then bring ideas to life with their own hands.
We want our children to ask questions and be inspired, motivated and engage in the joy of discovery.
Why is Design Technology so important?
At Sankey Valley St James we beleive Design Technology is important because:
It is all around us.
It helps children to become discriminating consumers.
It helps them to become practical and capable.
It helps them to develop life skills.
It helps them to learn about the world of work.
Children will need to make decisions about the world of the future.
Children who don't always succeed in English in Maths sometimes excel in D&T.
Children enjoy it!
What do we do to make Design Technology special?
At Sankey Valley St James we believe that Design Technology is special because it allows the children to use the Iterative Design Process. Iterative Design is a design methodology based on a cyclic process of prototyping, testing, analysing and refining a product or process. Based on results of testing the most recent iteration of a design, changed and refinements are made. With that in mind we work hard throughout the year to ensure the children have many opportunities to enhance their personal development through engaging in themed Design Technology projects linked to their topics. They are given support to be risk takers in a safe environment. Through the carefully planned development of skills throughout each key stage, the children learn to use tools and resources with care and respect.
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How can I support my child at home?
- Use topic themes and home learning opportunities to investigate how materials are suitable for different purposes
- Encourage your child to be resourceful in their choice of methods and materials
- Encourage the use of recycled products to make Eco models
- Always ensure that the idea is that of your child.
Pupil Voice
Design Technology Aims
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.
National Curriculum Outline
The fundamental skills, knowledge and concepts of the subject are set out in the EYFS Curriculum and National Curriculum 2014, where they are categorised into programmes of study.
EYFS: In Early Years, the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Curriculum and Development Matters document are used for planning and assessment. In the Foundation Stage, pupils experience a wide range of activities linked to expressive art and design. Activities are planned for children to play, explore, actively learn and develop their thinking skills in Design and Technology through focused, continuous and enhanced provision.
KS1/2: In Key Stage 1 and 2, in line with the National Curriculum, lessons are planned and taught to ensure coverage of all of the key competencies of Design Technology:
- By promoting children's love and enjoyment of Design Technology, encouraging problem solving, resilience and challenge through activities and experiences that enable children to function confidently providing opportunities for risk taking.
- Through collaboration and teamwork, developing leadership and communication skills of negotiation and persuasion by developing motivation, creativity and practical skills through meaningful and enjoyable projects whilst considering consumer awareness.
- By offering a choice through a range of materials and the understanding of the properties of different types of materials.
- By encouraging good organisation and selection of appropriate tools and techniques for making a product, whilst following safe procedures and promoting reflective evaluation of their own work by giving opportunities for children to suggest ways forward.