Intent

At Brookfield Primary Academy, we value Design and Technology as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum. Design and Technology is taught through a variety of creative and practical activities and pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding, skills and vocabulary needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making.

Design and Technology helps prepare children for the developing world. The subject encourages children to become creative problem solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. It helps all children to become discriminating and informed consumers and potential innovators. Additionally, it assists children in developing a greater awareness and understanding of how everyday products are designed and made. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.

Implementation 

At Brookfield Primary Academy, we follow the ‘Design, Make, Evaluate’ approach to the teaching of DT. We apply technical knowledge, looking at how to make products work and looking at how to make them better, by doing things such as strengthening, stiffening and reinforcing. We look at where food comes from, the preparation of food, cooking and nutrition.   

The ACET Long Term planning for Design and Technology outlines what each year group will study and the enquiries they complete.

The ACET Design and Technology skills grid is a guidance on the skills that will be taught in each year group to ensure that children leave all ACET primaries prepared for KS3.

 

 

D&T in Foundation 

Children in Foundation are taught Design and Technology through the 'Expressive Arts and Design' strand. 

Children are taught skills needed for Design and Technology through focussed activities and carefully planned provision. They are taught to use a range of small tools and joining techniques. Children are exposed to a wide range of materials which they have access to throughout the day. We encourage children to communicate effectively to explain the process they have used, using appropriate vocabulary.  

 

Impact

Our Design and Technology curriculum enables children to become creative, practical and resourceful learners. By the time pupils leave our school, they will have developed a strong understanding of the design process: designing, making and evaluating purposeful products.

Children build confidence in using a range of tools, materials and techniques safely and effectively. They learn to take risks, solve problems and think critically about how to improve their ideas and outcomes.

Pupils develop key life skills such as resilience, independence and teamwork, as well as an understanding of healthy eating and nutrition through food technology. They are able to talk about their designs and evaluate their work using appropriate technical vocabulary.

Through our DT curriculum, pupils leave with:

• The ability to design and make products for a purpose
• Strong problem-solving and practical skills
• An understanding of the importance of evaluation and improvement
• Confidence in using tools and materials safely
• Knowledge of healthy lifestyles and nutrition

Our aim is for all children to develop as innovative thinkers who are prepared for the challenges of an ever-changing world.

 

Useful Links 

Design and Technology Association - https://www.designtechnology.org.uk/for-education/primary/

STEM Learning - https://www.stem.org.uk/primary/resources

dyson - https://www.dyson.co.uk/newsroom/overview/update/top-five-engineering-challenges-to-do-at-home

 

 

If you have any questions about how DT is taught within school or how to further support your children at home please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Ramsey (DT Lead) at rosie.tilbrook@brookfieldjunioracademy.org