Design Technology at Kenton Primary School
Intent
In Kenton Primary School it is our intent that all our children are offered the chance to use both creative and will develop a capacity for action and a critical appreciation of the processes through which technologies are developed and how technologies can contribute to our ever-changing society. Our pupils are continually given opportunities to consider the use and impact of technological solutions on equity, ethics, and personal and social values. In creating solutions, as well as responding to the designed world, pupils consider desirable, sustainable patterns of living, and contribute to preferred futures for themselves and others. They will be taught to problem solve, encounter resilience, evaluate and critically critique as well as developing making skills. We also want our children to be able to think and talk like an expert. Technical vocabulary will therefore be something the children become accustomed to.
Implementation
In Kenton Primary School, DT is taught:
- In line with the National Curriculum, supported by a clear knowledge and skills progression starting in EYFS and continuing right through to the end of Key Stage 2.
- Ensuring knowledge and skills are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.
- Following the design, make and evaluate cycle.
- With each stage of the cycle rooted in technical knowledge – the design process also rooted in real life, relevant contexts to give meaning to learning.
- With DT units organised so that they link to current class topics in order to combine and build on prior learning in DT and link with other subjects. This can be seen in the federation’s two year rolling curriculum overview.
- By well-trained teachers who are supported by the DT co-ordinator and given appropriate CPD where necessary to ensure successful implementation of the curriculum. Links with secondary schools are made where possible in order to enable staff to confidently plan for progression to KS3.
Impact
What will this look like?
At age appropriate stages, pupils will be able to:
- Show a passion for the subject.
- Have an excellent attitude to learning and independent working.
- Use time efficiently and work collaboratively, confidently and constructively with others.
- Carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
- Act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
- Demonstrate a thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and material to use to make their products.
- Apply mathematical and scientific knowledge and skills accurately.
- Manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.
- Talk confidently about a range of designers and their experiences in design.
- Use their creativity to express themselves through a range of media.
- Transfer taught skills to prepare them for future work life.