Intent:

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject.

Design and Technology at Shustoke C of E Primary School, instils the qualities such as curiosity, enquiry and determination. We want children to be inspired, engaged and excited. Design Technology encourages children to learn, to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At Shustoke, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, 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 given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers.

Implementation:

• At Shustoke School every year group has at least two directed units of Design Technology over the year. 
• We have a skills-based approach to teaching and Design Technology learning using objectives taken from the National Curriculum.
• Our Design Technology curriculum is structured in a cross-curricular way to facilitate links with other subjects such as history, geography and science.
• All teaching of Design Technology follows the design, make and evaluate cycle. Each of these stages are rooted in technical knowledge and vocabulary.
• Beginning with the purpose of a product for a user, the children are encouraged to use the exploration of existing products to gain first-hand experience of existing approaches. We aim to promote creative problem solvers, both as individuals and part of a team and pupils develop their understanding of the ways in which people in the past and present have used design to meet their needs.
• Children design and make quality products using a range of tools, materials, and components, make connections with their learning across the curriculum including in maths, computing, science, and art and reflect on and evaluate techniques using subject-specific vocabulary.
• Teachers follow a clear progression of skills which ensure all pupils are challenged in - line with their year group expectations and given the opportunity to build on their prior knowledge.
• Effective CPD and standardisation opportunities are available to staff to ensure high levels of confidence and knowledge are maintained.

Impact:

The impact of our Design and Technology curriculum is in the development of our children being able to approach problems creatively and in a range of ways, applying their knowledge from across the curriculum areas independently. By providing a range of contexts and the necessary skills, we endeavour to support our children in their future educational journey and in the understanding of the ever-developing world around them. The skills and attributes they develop will benefit them beyond school and into adulthood: the ability to use time efficiently, work with others productively, show initiative, independence, resilience and manage risks effectively will ensure well-rounded citizens who will make a difference in the wider world.

Planning for the delivery of each Design Technology unit are regularly reviewed to ensure aspects of the National Curriculum are planned for and taught.  We ensure that children who are achieving well, as well as those who are in need of additional support, are identified, and additional provision and strategies are planned in and discussed with class teachers.

We expect the children to know more, remember more and understand more about Design and Technology.