DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Intent

At West Twyford Primary School our DT curriculum has been designed to provide children with real-life context for learning. We want children to be inspired designers, engineers, chefs and architects to enable them to create a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products.  We believe that a high-quality DT curriculum follows the design, make and evaluate cycle. The design process should be rooted in real life and relevant contexts to give meaning to learning. While making, children will be given choice and a range of tools to choose freely from. To evaluate, children will be able to evaluate their own products against a design criterion. Each of these steps should be rooted in technical knowledge and vocabulary. 

Implementation 

Through the delivery of high-quality, memorable DT lessons, children will:  

• Develop skills in designing, producing and evaluating and build on these skills each year.  

• Build on their learning in Science curriculum. 

• Acquire an extensive range of technical DT related vocabulary.  

Our DT Curriculum follows a simple model:  

1. Our Breadth of Study – the students will design and make a range of products using different materials and designers as inspiration  

2. Threshold Concepts – the ‘big ideas’ in DT that students will explore through every topic  

• Master practical skills: developing the skills needed to make high quality products   

• Design, make, evaluate and improve: developing the process of design thinking and seeing design as a process.  

• Take inspiration from design throughout history: appreciating the design process that has influenced the products we use in everyday life.  

      3. Milestones – the goals students should reach to show that they are meeting the expectations of our curriculum.   

    4. Knowledge Categories - areas of study to strengthen and contextualise the concepts (technical knowledge, technical skills, materials, design purpose, plan and test, designers)  

Impact

At West Twyford Primary School children record their thoughts and designs in DT books and their consistent use means that children are able to revisit the design, make and evaluate process. They refer back to their experience of DT in previous years. The opportunity for children to refine and develop their techniques over time is supported by effective lesson sequencing and progression between year groups. Children are able to discuss their choices and develop confidence in mastering techniques. The DT curriculum at WTPS contributes to children’s personal development and is underpinned by our school’s Learning Behaviours.