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 Scientists 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. As our pupils engage in hands-on, creative projects, this encourages a connection between their inner selves and the tangible world, providing a unique avenue for our learners to express their spirituality by designing and constructing objects that hold personal meaning or significance. Thus, Design and Technology becomes a platform for our pupils to explore and express their spiritual dimensions through the act of making and reflecting on the purpose and impact of the designed artefacts, fostering a sense of mindfulness and purpose in the creative process.
Curriculum 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, ensuring all aspects of the design process are covered - designing, making, evaluating and technical knowledge are all taught. During the Autumn term, this includes the opportunity to design and make appealing products for sale at the Christmas fair.
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.
