Design and Technology

Intent

At Calow Church of England Primary School, we aim for children to be inspired by engineers, designers, chefs and architects to enable them to create a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products with a real-life purpose.

Through our Design and Technology curriculum, we encourage our children to develop and express their imagination and creativity when designing and making products. We help our children to become independent and resilient learners by providing effective ways to tackle problems or issues if they may arise. We provide children with opportunities to design, make and evaluate products within a variety of contexts, making links with other subject areas such as: Mathematics, Science, Computing, English and Art.

Our work reflects the National Curriculum requirements for Design and Technology:

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Implementation

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. The children design and create products that consider function and purpose and are relevant to a range of sectors (for example, the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment).

Key skills and knowledge for Design and Technology have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups. The context for the children’s work in Design and Technology is also well considered and children learn about real life structures and the purpose of specific examples, as well as developing their skills throughout the programme of study.

Impact  

Assessment of pupil's learning in Design Technology is an ongoing monitoring of children's understanding, knowledge and skills by the class teacher throughout lessons. This assessment is then used by staff to inform planning, support and challenge required by the children.

Our Design and Technology subject leader conducts a monitoring cycle each term to ensure an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the quality of education in Design Technology. Monitoring in Design and Technology includes book looks, lesson observations and/or learning walks, staff discussions and pupil voice. We understand the importance and value of giving children the opportunity to discuss their learning and understanding and establish the impact of the teaching taking place. This information is collected and reviewed, and then used to inform further curriculum developments and provision is adapted accordingly.

Assessment

Children’s progress is monitored through learning walks, pupil voice, book looks and by using planning and learning intentions. Teacher assessments throughout each unit using a range of relevant assessments, including the Calow Primary School Design and Technology progressions and assessment materials. Pupils are given feedback line with the school's effective  feedback policy. Attainment in Design and Technology is reported to parents/carers during learning conferences and on the end of year reports. 

Whole School Overview