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Implementation:

As a school we have  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)  Projects are well planned and resourced providing children with a hands-on and enriching experience. A range of skills will be taught ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken. We are 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 3 to Year 6 addresses the principles of designing, making, and evaluating and incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding in relevant contexts. Pupils are 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.

Impact:

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 Secondary School. Pupil’s skills and knowledge are assessed ongoingly 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..

Year 3

Autumn Term

Cook well, Eat well

This project teaches children about food groups and the Eatwell guide. They learn about methods of cooking and explore these by cooking potatoes and ratatouille. The children choose and make a taco filling according to specific design criteria.

Spring Term

Making it Move

This project teaches children about cam mechanisms. They experiment with different shaped cams before designing, making and evaluating a child's automaton toy.

Summer Term

Greenhouses

This project teaches children about the purpose, structure and design features of greenhouses, and compares the work of two significant greenhouse designers. They learn techniques to strengthen structures and use tools safely. They use their learning to design and construct a mini greenhouse.

Year 4

Autumn Term

Fresh Food, Good Food

This project teaches children about food decay and preservation. They discover key inventions in food preservation and packaging, then make examples. The children prepare, package and evaluate a healthy snack.

Spring Term

Functional and Fancy Fabrics

This project teaches children about home furnishings and the significant designer William Morris. They learn techniques for decorating fabric, including block printing, hemming and embroidery and use them to design and make a fabric sample.

Summer Term

Tomb Builders

This project teaches children about simple machines, including wheels, axles, inclined planes, pulleys and levers, exploring how they helped ancient builders to lift and move heavy loads.

Year 5

Autumn Term

Moving Mechanisms

This project teaches children about pneumatic systems. They experiment with pneumatics before designing, making and evaluating a pneumatic machine that performs a useful function.

Spring Term

Eat the Seasons

This project teaches children about the meaning and benefits of seasonal eating, including food preparation and cooking techniques.

Summer Term

Architecture

This project teaches children about how architectural style and technology has developed over time and then use this knowledge to design a building with specific features.

Year 6

Autumn Term

 

Food For Life

This project teaches children about processed food and healthy food choices. They make bread and pasta sauces and learn about the benefits of whole foods. They plan and make meals as part of a healthy daily menu, and evaluate their completed products.

Spring Term

Engineer

This project teaches children about remarkable engineers and significant bridges, learning to identify features, such as beams, arches and trusses. They complete a bridge-building engineering challenge to create a bridge prototype.

Summer Term

Make Do and Mend

This project teaches children a range of simple sewing stitches, including ways of recycling and repurposing old clothes and materials.

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