Design & Technology Curriculum Statement
Intent
At Barleyhurst Park Primary School we have built a Design and Technology curriculum which encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively and to solve problems, both as individuals and as members of a team.
It is vital that with appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding, a balanced and broad curriculum is delivered according to the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 objectives. With this at the forefront of planning, the pupils are provided with opportunities to develop and extend their mental and physical skills which will help develop and prepare them for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences in later life.
Barleyhurst Park is committed to meeting the requirements of the primary National Curriculum 2014, therefore, we aim 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 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.
Our schemes of work reflect the content and challenge of the curriculum. Teachers have received training in key areas of curriculum change and are ready to provide outstanding curriculum provision. The curriculum is taught with the consideration of the needs of all learners. Our curriculum is exciting and inspires children to nurture a passion for learning.
Implementation
Design and Technology at Barleyhurst Park gives children the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of designing and making functional products. We feel it is vital to nurture creativity and innovation through design, but also through evaluating these designs.
Design and Technology is taught in termly topics throughout the year, but the type of activities depend on the topic being focused on and the objectives are spread out accordingly.
The key knowledge and skills that children acquire and develop throughout each topic have been mapped to ensure progression between year groups throughout the school.
Lessons are planned according to the National Curriculum objectives, but in addition, staff have a bank of ideas and resources that are readily available on Curriculum Maestro. Teachers carefully plan, making sure the varying needs of all learners are met, through differentiation and ensuring an appropriate level of challenge where necessary.
Impact
Children are given the opportunity to explore and evaluate different creative ideas. By giving them the tools, knowledge and information needed they become more effective, more experienced, and more efficient in this subject area. Most of all, the pupils get to celebrate their work with each other and take those skills along with them as they progress through their educational journey.
Progression is evident within the school and this can be seen clearly, whether it be a design, an evaluation or a photograph of a project. The national curriculum objectives are clearly reflected and if there are any gaps then these are considered when planning the next topic.