Intent

At Shortbrook Primary School we intend to build a Design Technology curriculum which develops learning, sparks interest  and results in the acquisition of knowledge and skills. Children will know more, remember more and understand more.

We intend to design a design technology curriculum with appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum Design Technology Programmes of study. This will be a programme that runs from EYFS up to KS2 building on previous knowledge and acquisition of knowledge and skills to prepare the children for the subject in their next stage of their education.

Implementation

• Clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum. The Design Technology National Curriculum and EYFS is planned for and covered in full within the EYFS, KS1 and KS2 school curriculum. Whilst the EYFS and National Curriculum forms the foundation of our curriculum, we make sure that children learn additional skills, knowledge and understanding and enhance our curriculum as and when necessary.
• Delivery of design and technology projects with a clear structure. Each year group will undertake a construction topic, a textile topic and a food/drink topic.
• Delivery showing clear following of the design process where each project will follow: research, design, make and evaluate.
• A range of skills will be taught ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken. 
• Clear and appropriate cross curricular links to underpin learning in multi areas across the curriculum giving the children opportunities to learn life skills and apply skills to ‘hands on’ situations in all areas. Where possible links will be made to an ‘end project’ or topic in each year group. 
• Design Technology focused displays in school celebrating exceptional practice and exemplify terminology and vocabulary used.
• Independent learning: In design technology children may well be asked to solve problems and develop their learning independently. This allows the children to have ownership over their curriculum and lead their own learning in Design Technology.
• Collaborative learning: In design and technology children may well be asked to work as part of a team learning to support and help one another towards a challenging, yet rewarding goal.
• Investigations: Children may be asked to investigate certain aspects of a project and therefore will be asking questions and providing innovative solution to problems that may arise.

Impact

The Design and Technology curriculum is continuously monitored by staff, as a team and overseen by the curriculum lead. At the end of each term, classes produce a final product, which will go towards assessment from staff.

Children at Shortbrook enjoy the Design and Technology subject and feel a sense of personal achievement. Pupils show a willingness to engage with the subject beyond their class, year group, phase and ultimately school- beyond Primary and into Secondary education.