DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

Design and Technology

Intent

Design and technology is a practical subject which plays to the strengths of many of our children at Somerford.  Our scheme was constructed with the aim to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum as well as to support the children to harness their creativity, while designing, making and evaluating a range of different products, structures and meals.  The curriculum is also designed to give opportunities for the children to feel successful when completing a task as well as  develop their problem solving skills at all stages of the design process. 

Implementation

Our design and technology curriculum is engaging.  It is often delivered in more discrete blocks of time rather than more weekly lessons.  This is a conscious teaching and learning decision designed to allow children more time to engage in tasks as well as a practical one allowing products to completed in a timely fashion.   Design and technology is taught at a separate time to art and is timetabled in opposite half terms to give sufficient weighting to both subjects

All children will be supported through the design process with the provision and use of high-quality resources as well as contexts which engage the children in their learning.

The practical nature of this subject means that it is naturally aligned with our ‘I do – We do – You do’ pedagogy which enables children to practice fundamental skills before applying them to solve problems as part of the design and make process.  Some children will be supported by further small group or individual sessions with adults to enable them to practice and secure skills which they find more challenging.

We have consciously given children opportunities to build upon skills they have used across their time with us at school for example in their use of cookery and sewing skills.  This repetition of learning areas allows children to revisit and retrieve skills and knowledge.  As an example, at the start of teaching the children a new stitch in sewing, we review stitches which have been taught previously.

Impact

The impact of our design and technology curriculum will be seen in the children’s capacity to retain and use skills they have been taught.  This impact will be seen year on year as they develop and refine their skills which are developed through a sequential curriculum.  Progress and impact will be identified using pupil voice as well as work scrutiny