Design & Technology

Design & Technology at Cam Woodfield Junior School

Intent

At Cam Woodfield Junior School we intend to deliver a Design and Technology curriculum which is inspiring, rigorous and practical. We want our children to develop creative, technical and practical expertise to design and create products which solve real and relevant problems.

We intend for all our children to acquire appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum (2014).

It is our aim to create strong cross curricular links with other subjects, such as mathematics, science, computing and art. We want design and technology to prepare our children for the future. As well as giving them responsibilities, opportunities and experiences which will fire them up for success later in life.

Implementation

Overview of the Curriculum

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, over 3 theme blocks a year, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making. 

A curriculum map is used to show where objectives are being covered and in which year group; at which time. Key concepts and technical vocabulary are mapped out across the school to show clear progression through the year groups. However, the structure of design, make and evaluate are clear to see.

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. Throughout their journey at Cam Woodfield Junior School, the children will be exposed to a range of DT skills (See Appendix A). Each Year group is required to complete a Knowledge, Design, Make, Evaluate and Improve cycle per DT topic.

Planning and Assessment

Whilst, planning is guided by the objectives shared by our curriculum lead, teacher's have the autonomy to adapt the learning to the needs and requirement of individual year groups.

Assessment is used to inform future planning and pupils are assessed in all areas of Design and Technology: children’s capability in designing and making and children’s repertoire of knowledge, skills and understanding. Teachers will use formative assessments as an ongoing design process (through questioning, observation and pupils work).

At the end of each block, teachers will use our online tracker (INSIGHT) to show how well children have achieved against the objectives set for that block of learning.

Throughout the teaching and learning of Design and Technology, we spend time on the Retrieval of Knowledge from prior learning before accumulating more Sticky Knowledge, enabling children to progress in their Design and Technology knowledge and skills by knowing more, remembering more and being able to do more.

Monitoring and Evaluating

Regular professional development opportunities are provided in order to develop staff’s knowledge of the teaching of DT. The Projects on a Page units of work also provides CPD for each unit and staff are encouraged to ask for support and attend relevant courses to develop their skills and knowledge.

Specific Groups/ Vulnerable Children

 At Cam Woodfield Junior School we believe that all children should have access to the curriculum and that when planning and teaching Design and Technology staff will make reasonable adjustments to promote equality of opportunity for all pupils. This could include:

• allocating adult support
• providing additional support materials

 · providing alternative resources

• modifying tasks

Health and Safety

It is important that children and staff understand the various hazards involved with DT equipment. Children need to be taught to use tools correctly. It is the responsibility of all staff to establish safe practice in the classroom.

Impact

At Cam Woodfield Junior School, we aim to ensure that all children have the opportunity to experience all areas of Design and Technology. The children are exposed to a range of skills which will encourage and help them to transition into young adults. We aim that the skills they develop in Design and Technology provide them with practical experiences leading into industry, as well as key life skills. The evaluation and improvement aspects of the cycle are designed to support the children into being more reflective and critical learners.

At the end of the 3 theme blocks, the children will have experience of:

- How to follow the design, make, evaluate process to meet a goal

- Solving real life practical problems involving innovation and creativity, both as an individual and as part of a group.

- Choosing from and using a growing range of tools and materials.

- Using and understanding richer technical vocabulary associated with DT.

- Prepare a range of healthy, varied and nutritious dishes.