Intent

It is our intent at Green Park School to provide an ever-improving provision for Design and Technology for children at our school; one which provides a practical and creative journey for all, based upon building problem solving skills within a cross-curricular approach. Strong links are being formed between Core and Foundation subjects such as mathematics, science, computing and art so that children can purposefully use skills within different contexts which will challenge and extend their learning.

We strive to offer children the chance to use creative thinking and design within a defined purpose and tangible outcome. We intend that our children will be encouraged to take risks when designing and making their products. Lessons will be hands on and engaging, with the children having access to a variety of resources and materials. They will be encouraged to think critically in order to evaluate their products.

Intent within EYFS:

It is our intent at Green Park School to allow children in the early years to explore, use and refine a variety of artistic effects to express their ideas and feelings. They will return to and build on their previous learning, refining ideas and developing their ability to represent them. Children in the early years can create collaboratively, sharing ideas, resources and skills.

Implementation

Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning. We are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of an exciting Design and Technology curriculum where children may experience things for the very first time. This subject allows opportunities for children to learn practically and apply their imagination and creatively in a purposeful way. Children learn to take risks and how to become reflective, resilient learners whilst learning how Design Technology impacts everyday life and the wider world.

Part of implementing an effective Design and Technology curriculum is encouraging children to work collaboratively with others. Collaborative work in Design and Technology develops mutual respect for the differing opinions, abilities and beliefs of others. It also helps children to respect their environment and the health and safety of themselves and others. They learn to appreciate that their ideas and opinions may differ to others and also learn to show tolerance. Children are encouraged to work in a democratic way by listening to others and sometimes accepting the ideas of others may be more suitable than their own to create the most effective product.

Design and Technology is implemented in 5 different units across the academic year:

• Food
• Electricity
• Structures
• Textiles
• Mechanisms.

Implementation within EYFS:

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.

Impact

We ensure the children:

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users and critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. Children will design and make a range of products. A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child

Children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Impact within EYFS:

EYFS pupils’ progress and attainment is tracked using teacher observation.