Design and Technology

Intent
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject which encourages children to think,
learn and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At St
Ethelbert’s, we encourage children to work reflectively and use their creativity to design and make
products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and
others’ needs, wants and values. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as
Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computing and Art. The children are also given opportunities to
reflect upon and evaluate past and present Design Technology and its uses and effectiveness. They can
test and critique their own work and the work of others. Children are encouraged to become ambitious
innovators and risk-takers through their resourcefulness and skills as innovative thinkers. We also teach
our pupils the principles of nutrition and provide them with cooking skills, so that they can grow to be
healthy, self-sufficient individuals.
Implementation
Teachers plan lessons for their class using a Design and Technology scheme of work which provides
progression of knowledge and skills. Our curriculum is covered and the skills/knowledge taught is
progressive from year group to year group. When teaching Design and Technology, teachers are able to
follow the children’s interests to ensure their learning is engaging, broad and balanced. Children showing
extensive aptitude in Design and Technology will be celebrated. We provide a variety of opportunities for
Design and Technology learning to take place inside and outside the classroom. The children have visited
local museums and had visitors into school to share learning and have hands on experiences. Children also
have the opportunity to attend Design and Technology clubs, including Cooking Club. Teachers make use
of the extensive grounds and outdoor learning area when teaching Design and Technology.
Impact
Within Design and Technology, we strive to prepare children to take part in the development of
tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. We aim to encourage children to become creative problem-solvers,
both as individuals and as part of a team. Through the study of Design and Technology, children combine
practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as of functions
and industrial practices. This allows them to reflect on and evaluate present and past design and
technology, its uses and its impact. Our design and technology curriculum is high quality, well thought out
and is planned to demonstrate progression.
We measure the impact of our curriculum through the following methods:
● Assessing children’s cold and hot mind maps
● Assessing children’s understanding of topic linked vocabulary before and after the unit is taught.
● Summative assessment of pupil discussions about their learning.
● Images and videos of the children’s practical learning.
● Interviewing the pupils about their learning (pupil voice).
St Ethelbert’s Intent, Implementation and Impact - DT
● Moderation staff meetings where pupil’s books are scrutinised and there is the opportunity for a
dialogue between teachers to understand their class’s work.
● Annual reporting of standards across the curriculum.
● Marking of work in books.