DT vision

At Blessed Dominic School we intend 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 all children to acquire appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum.

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, to give them the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences they need to be successful in later life.

Characteristics of a Designer

At Blessed Dominic Catholic Primary school, we are Designers. We have…

• significant levels of originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes.
• an excellent attitude to learning and independent working and passion for the subject and knowledge of, up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.
• the ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
• the ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
• the ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
• a thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
• the ability to apply mathematical knowledge.
• the ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.

Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning. 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 have 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.
• Pupils being introduced to specific designers, chefs, nutritionists, etc. helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement and increase the cultural capital from which they can draw in the future.

As a school, we promote Design and Technology in the wider school through a DT after school club and a weekly gardening session in EYFS. Where the children learn about where our food comes from by growing their own, and the importance of a balanced, healthy and varied diet and how to prepare this. We have an allotment plot at school and each year group is in charge of their own patch, to grow and harvest food.

 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 idea.
• 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

At Blessed Dominic Children 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 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. Pupil’s skills and knowledge are assessed on an on-going basis by the class teacher, throughout lessons and a summative assessment is completed termly. This informs the Design and Technology lead of any further areas for curriculum development, pupil support and/or training requirements for staff.