Design and Technology

At St Oswald’s we want all children to have access to exciting Design and Technology experiences and resources so that they can become inspired to be the Teachers, Architects, Engineers, Graphic Designers, Chefs, Nutritionists or Food Scientisists of the future. We want all pupils to enjoy STEM learning and to develop confidence when using design and technology methods, skills and processes developing an understanding of how valuable these roles are in providing products and solutions in the world around us.

Intent

The national curriculum for Design and Technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

Implementation

The Design and Technology curriculum at St Oswald’s not only meets the National Curriculum requirements, it provides memorable lessons that promote curiosity and resilience and develops key skills cumutively ensuring deep understanding and learning. Children experience a wide variety of Design and Technology opportunities including exploring and experimenting with a range of construction kits, junk modelling and working with fabric, wood, cardboard and food.

Every class carries out a DT project each term which is planned carefully with reference to the Projects on a Page planning ensuring all aspects of the design process are covered - designing, making, evaluating and technical knowledge are all taught.

All children enjoy Design and Technology activities during our Science and Technology week that we hold annually during British Science week. They also have the opportunity to design and make appealing products for sale at the Christmas fair.

Ongoing assessment, revisiting concepts and reinforcing knowledge ensures progression and enables all children to reach their full potential as scientists.

Impact

The curriculum at St Oswald’s will ensure children not only acquire appropriate age related Design and Technology knowledge but also skills which equip them to progress from their starting points. In shaping our curriculum this way, progress can be measured and evidenced for all children, regardless of their starting points or specific needs.

At St Oswald’s, we strive for every child to achieve their full potential in Design and Technology. We aim for them to develop a love of the subject and an understanding of the importance and potential of the knowlegde and skills they acquire in shaping the products of the future.

Assessment

Assessment of Design and Technology is ongoing. Teachers will ascertain the children's understanding and skills during each lesson, difficulties are tackled and rectified, ensuring that all children progress. Time is regularly planned in for children to evaluate their work and that of their peers, making use of peer assessemnt and coaching. At the end of a unit children's work is assessed against the learning criteria and the school agreed tracking proforma is completed. Results are shared with the subject lead.

Curriculum Development Opportunities

Autumn Term (Enterprise Week): 22/11/21

Spring Term: 14/3/22

Summer Term: 11/7/22