Design & Technology

Welcome to the Design and Technology subject page 

Intent statement 

At St Stephens Primary school our intent is 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 our Design Technology curriculum to be diverse to complement our school values by providing children with opportunities to use their skills and knowledge during enrichment days.  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. We want our children to aspire to careers within STEM by providing cross curricular opportunities and a broad and balanced curriculum using Design Technology within.

Implement Statement 

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 from Year 1 to Year 6 addressing the principles of designing, making, and evaluating and incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding in relevant contexts.

Early Years Foundation Stage

During the EYFS pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. They have the opportunities to

learn to:

• Use different media and materials to express their own ideas
• Use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about form, function and purpose
• Make plans and construct with a purpose in mind using a variety of resources
• Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques appropriately, effectively and safely
• Select appropriate resources for a product and adapt their work where necessary
• Cook and prepare food adhering to good health and hygiene routines

Impact statement 

Pupils at St Stephens 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 along with enrichment days the pupils 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 High School.  At St. Stephen’s we provide a clear progression of skills and knowledge that builds upon what has been taught before. There are clear, agreed expectations for end of year and key stage points. Assessment for learning and live marking in lessons allows for immediate feedback and improvement in line with our school marking policy. Learning ladders are used to inform assessment and include pupil self-review. Impact is measured through teacher assessment based on work produced over time. End of unit expectations are listed at the end of each unit of work and the application of skills is expected across the curriculum.

Diversity 

At St Stephens Primary we are committed to creating a positive Deign and Technology learning experience for all. It is our aim to promote self- esteem in pupils and help them to understand and value diversity in terms of cultures, religions, beliefs, ethnicities and social background. This is achieved by providing enrichment days to the children and using these opportunites to create projects linked to special holidays and celebrations in our diverse calender including, Diwali, Easter and Eid. 

Files to Download