Design and Technology

At Parsloes Primary School we believe that a high-quality design and technology curriculum uses the creativity and imagination of the children.

Our Curriculum Vision

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