Intent

At Pearl Hyde Primary School, we intend to build a Design Technology curriculum which is inspiring, rigorous, and practical. We want our children to use creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We intend for all children to acquire appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. We want Design and Technology to prepare our children to give them the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences they need to be successful in later life.   

Implementation 

Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning and it is for this reason that as a school we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum. This is implemented through:  

• A well thought out, whole school, yearly overview of the DT curriculum which allows for progression across year groups in all areas of DT (textiles, mechanisms, structures, food and electrical systems).  

• Well planned and resourced projects providing children with a hands-on and enriching experience. 

• A range of skills being taught ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken.  

• Teachers being given ownership and flexibility to plan for Design and Technology; often teaching DT as a block of lessons to allow the time needed for the children to be critical, inventive and reflective on their work.   

• Each project undertaken addresses the principles of designing, making, and evaluating and incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding in relevant contexts.   

Impact 

Children will have clear enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology that they will then apply to other areas of the curriculum. Through carefully planned and implemented learning activities the children will develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. They gain a firm foundation of knowledge and skills to see them equipped to take on further learning in their educational journey.   

Children’s skills and knowledge are assessed at the beginning and at the end of each project by the class teacher. This will be apparent in a range of ways from their home learning, to evidence in class portfolios, photographs of completed design work and the children’s voice.  This informs the Design and Technology coordinators of any further areas for curriculum development, child support and/or training requirements for staff.