Design & Technology

Our Vision: ‘Mastering skills to adapt and design diverse solutions’

Intent

Our design and technology curriculum is designed to inspire children to explore, enquire and problem solve. Children will be encouraged to tackle relevant real world problems. They will work through a rigorous process of design, build, evaluate and adapt to ensure that their product is fit for purpose. At Sandcross, we encourage children to learn how to take risks, become resourceful and innovative designers. While developing their communication skills, children will build and apply their knowledge and will be able to offer respectful feedback to their peers to help improve the designs of others. Throughout their time at Sandcross, children will gain an understanding of some of the technological turning points in history and will celebrate the diversity of their designers. Children will gain independence and take responsibility for their designs to allow high quality products to be created.

Our design and technology curriculum is designed to challenge, develop and nurture the “Whole Child‟ with a mission of “Inspiring Lifelong Success”. 

Implementation - So, how are we going to deliver this? 

Design technology is an integral part of our learning enquiries and is planned in each year group to develop breadth and depth in the progression of design technology skills. Children design products with a purpose in mind and an intended user of the products. Learning often links well with other key areas such as Maths. 

In the EYFS, DT is taught using guidance from the Knowledge and Understanding of the World and Art & Design strands.  Lessons are planned to develop pupils' creativity and imagination within a variety of context, whilst teaching them a progression of skills.  

Pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2 experience a sequenced and varied curriculum using a wide range of materials and processes. Clear and appropriate cross curricular links are created whenever possible to help pupils learn key life skills. Pupils are exposed to hands-on situations where they are encouraged to make independent informed choices. 

Delivery shows a clear following of the design process: researching, designing, making and evaluating products, as well as pupils developing their technical knowledge. 

DT will be delivered across three focus weeks (one in each term) over the academic year. Each week will contain a ‘hook’ which will then develop lines of enquiry covering specific skills within the subject. 

Impact - What difference is this curriculum making to our children? 

Our Design and Technology Curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. At Sandcross, we hope to develop children who are expert designers, constructors and mechanics who enjoy exploring a range of designs and topics. 

The DT opportunities provided to the children will link and reflect not only the Sandcross values but also the drivers. We also believe that DT will equip the children with knowledge and skills to live in an ever changing world.