Design and Technology at Holywell Green
Intent
There is a clear rationale for the curriculum of DT across school. We enable all pupils to show progression in their ability to design products, develop skills in making (cutting, joining, assembling, shaping, measuring, finishing) and begin to evaluate and discuss their own work against a success criteria. At Holywell Green, we follow the PlanBee DT scheme of work.
The DT curriculum reflects Holywell Green’s individual context as a school by ensuring this subject can provide opportunities to enhance pupils’ self-esteem through success in using taught skills. Teaching of DT encourages attitudes of perseverance and determination, skills that can be used in all areas of the curriculum and in aspects of life. DT is an integral part of the daily Foundation Stage curriculum and is taught for a minimum of 1 hour per week in KS1 and KS2 alternating half-termly with Art.
Implementation
In the Foundation Stage, children explore expressive arts and design by experimenting with a wide range of media and materials across all curriculum areas. Foundation Stage have specially adapted areas, which are always available for children. Pupils in KS1 and KS2 are taught to use a variety of techniques and materials creatively through the following strands of DT: Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, Food Technology, Structures and Textiles. Art or DT has a designated teaching time of at least 1 hour per week.
Impact
Holywell Green provides lessons which are structured and progressive; therefore enabling each lesson to build on knowledge, skills and understanding from previous units. Throughout school, children are taught the process of designing, making and evaluating whilst constantly referring to the technical vocabulary linked to their work. This allows children to understand the process of creating a final product and reflect on ways to improve their work.
Sonar tracker is use termly to make summative assessments. This tool enables the subject leader to track progress across the school, whilst ensuring there are no concerns in any specific area or year group, which may need to be addressed. After individual lessons, teachers use the PlanBee assessment grids for formative assessment.
Design and Technology in a nutshell
Design and Technology Long Term Plan