Intent

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. At Austin Farm, we provide a creative curriculum that places a strong emphasis on the value of Art and Design Technology as we think these subjects are essential to children's education. Design Technology encourages pupils to become curious and creative problem solvers.  Our aim is to provide all children with a stimulating and enjoyable experience of Design Technology and to develop children’s imaginative and critical thinking. They will develop a greater awareness and understanding of how everyday products are designed and made, working as individuals or collaboratively as part of a team to talk about how things work, drawing models and sharing their ideas. We intend to teach the children an inspiring skills-based curriculum, which is built upon year on year.

Implementation of our Design Technology curriculum

Design Technology provides our children with an opportunity to tackle problems of a practical nature. The ‘Projects on a Page’ scheme of work that our school follows, supports pupils to meet the National Curriculum requirements, and aims to inspire pupils and develop their confidence.  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 will follow a three-step process where they will design, make and evaluate their work, whilst completing focus tasks throughout, building on their previously-acquired skills whilst learning new ones. The children design and create products that consider function and purpose and which are relevant to a range of sectors. Design Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning; it is for this reason that, as a school, we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Design Technology curriculum. This is implemented through a 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), and well-planned and resourced projects providing children with a hands-on and enriching experience. Children in EYFS are taught the initial skills of; cutting, sticking, tearing, gluing, punching, ripping, whilst being taught to hammer, saw, and use hinges.  From Year 1 to Year 6 the children are taught the principles of designing, making, and evaluating and incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding in relevant context.

Impact of our Design Technology curriculum

Children will develop a strong sense of enjoyment and confidence in Design Technology, which they can then apply to other areas of the curriculum. Through thoughtfully designed and well-delivered learning activities, they acquire the creative, technical, and practical skills necessary to carry out everyday tasks with confidence, while also equipping themselves to thrive in a world that is increasingly driven by technology. By building this foundation of knowledge and expertise, pupils are prepared for further learning in secondary education and beyond.