DT

Intent

In Design and Technology, we aim to support our pupils to become designers and inventors in an ever-changing society through providing them with a range of opportunities to think, explore and problem solve in a real-life context. Using pupils’ creativity and imagination, it allows them to design, make and evaluate products practically for a purpose. The subject draws on other areas of the pupils’ learning such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. It also develops children’s skills and knowledge of mechanisms, electrical control and of a range of materials. All pupils are given opportunities to reflect and evaluate on their own work and the work of others. Throughout design and technology, pupils are encouraged to become innovators and produce products that they are proud of.

Implementation

At Westcliff Primary we implement our Design and Technology curriculum using these 5 golden threads:

· To explore: Design and Technology at Westcliff allows pupils to experiment with thought process, actions and materials and can provide good opportunities for problem solving.

· To be creative: Pupils are given ownership about how they would want to make their own product. The curriculum has been carefully designed to provide scaffolded support, whilst encouraging independence at an appropriate age level. 

· To plan and evaluate: Evaluation is used throughout our Design and Technology lessons, beginning with evaluating existing products, to analysing their own designs and their final product. This constant evaluation feeds directly into the planning to suggest to the pupils what they need to do.

To develop practical knowledge and skill: Pupils follow a carefully designed, progressive curriculum that allows them to practise lifelong skills and build on areas that they have already learnt. Such invaluable skills are essential in the preparation for the next stage of the pupils’ lives.

· Vocabulary: Subject specific vocabulary and understanding is vital when evaluating products. Design and Technology requires pupils to explore and study, therefore they need a secure vocabulary to communicate their understanding. Technical vocabulary used within Design and Technology links to many other areas of the curriculum.

Impact

The impact of our curriculum is assessed through pupil discussions and the sharing of work. Teachers use an assessment to measure the progress in the children’s vocabulary, whilst taking into consideration the development and ability to perform the skills required for the unit of work.