Design Technology

Design Technology 

Subject Lead: Miss T Wilson

DT vision at Seaton Academy

Intent:
The intent of the DT curriculum in an outstanding Infant school is to provide children with the opportunity to develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and practical abilities through the design and make process. DT enables pupils to actively engage with the world around them by investigating and evaluating existing products and systems, designing solutions to real-world challenges and making high-quality outcomes. The DT curriculum aims to inspire and challenge pupils to use their knowledge, skills and understanding to solve real-life problems and become the designers and makers of the future.

Implementation:

To ensure an outstanding implementation of the DT curriculum, a school should follow these best practices:

1. Develop a progressive and ambitious curriculum that builds upon prior learning and encourages children to take risks and think creatively.
2. Ensure that the curriculum is well-sequenced, with clear and specific learning goals set out for each lesson, term and year.
3. Provide pupils with regular opportunities to work collaboratively, to seek and receive feedback and to reflect on their successes and areas for improvement.
4. Teach a range of design skills, techniques and knowledge, including drawing, modelling, electrical systems, mechanical systems, textiles and structures.
5. Apply subject knowledge to practical activities that help children to see the relevance of their learning.
6. Use cross-curricular links to embed DT in the wider curriculum, such as using maths to calculate materials required, science to investigate materials, history to investigate how design has changed over time.
7. Encourage children to make products that are functional and purposeful by providing opportunities to design and create products for a real audience, such as a school fete, a community project or a charity.
8. Use high-quality resources and equipment to promote a culture of excellence and respect for the design and making process.

Impact:

An outstanding implementation of the DT curriculum will result in children who are highly motivated and engaged in their learning. Pupils will become confident design thinkers and makers, able to use their creativity and practical skills to solve real-world problems. They will be able to reflect on their successes and areas for improvement, take ownership of their learning, and develop a lifelong passion and confidence in design and making. The DT curriculum will equip pupils with the valuable skills they need to succeed in the 21st century workplace and become responsible citizens, able to make a positive impact in the world. Overall, an outstanding DT curriculum in an Infant school will inspire, challenge and support pupils to become the designers and makers of the future.

Design and Technology Overview

DT Progression Map

Example DT Knowledge Organisers