Design and Technology
Intent
At Parsloes Primary School we believe that a high-quality design and technology curriculum uses the creativity and imagination of the children. The hands-on lessons encourage pupils 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. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, the pupils should develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. Design and Technology links to other subjects, such as mathematics, science, computing and art, which enables rich opportunities for engaging experiences.
Implementation
At Parsloes Primary School, the teaching of Design and Technology follows the National Curriculum through the use of ‘Projects on A Page’ documents (Design and Technology Association). Children design products with a purpose in mind and an intended user of the product. Food technology is implemented across the school with children developing an understanding of where food comes from, the importance of a varied and healthy diet and how to prepare meals using a range of ingredients, whilst considering the location of the source of ingredients used and any possible environmental impact.
Through a variety of creative and practical activities, children are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of research, design, make and evaluate. Design and Technology projects are delivered with a clear structure, which includes challenging students at all levels. Children are able to explore a range of existing products and formulate opinions on these, in order to make design decisions for their own products and they will explore materials, components, mechanisms, control systems and structures whilst considering health and safety aspects for practical activities. Skills that are taught will assist with learning across the curriculum in Science, Maths and Computing.
Language Acquisition – Vocabulary for Design and Technology is carefully planned and taught in a progressive manner across the school, including the language of designing, making and evaluating. Children learn to think and talk like designers through the use of technical language.
Empowering Experiences – Our Design and Technology curriculum is enriched by a variety of different sources from outside school. Children access trips and workshops to enhance their understanding.
Active and Hands-On Learning – Children have well planned opportunities to design, make and evaluate products for themselves. All units of work are fully resourced with the equipment necessary for hands on learning.
Relevance to Our Diverse Community – Through the units of work and cross-curricular links with Science and Reading, children are exposed to the work of designers and inventors from a range of backgrounds and cultures.
New Knowledge and Skills – The Design and Technology curriculum is sequenced progressively to ensure prior learning is referred to and built upon. Skills are embedded throughout and developed as children progress through the school.
Curriculum Planning
Design and Technology Overview
Design and Technology Progression Grid
Building Future London
We are one of 30 primary schools in the Greater London area participating in the Building Future London project delivered by Primary Futures and funded by the Greater London Authority. Through this project, children have the opportunity to learn more about the different jobs involved in developing the built environment and infrastructure of London, including meeting people who do these jobs from Crossrail engineers to architects of some of London’s iconic buildings. Through opportunities such as this, children’s horizons will be broadened and potential stereotypes about who can do what jobs are tackled.
Design and Technology at Parsloes
Design and Technology Knowledge
Our curriculum overviews detail the key Design and Technology content required for each unit of work. These are shared with children and families at the beginning of each half term to help enhance learning.