Design and Technology

Intent – What is the Purpose of the Design and Technology Curriculum?

Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Through the use of creativity and imagination, pupils engage in the design and creation of products that solve real and relevant problems in various contexts. They consider their own and others' needs, wants, and values. At our school, our intention is not only to meet the minimum statutory requirements of the National Curriculum for design technology, but also to equip our pupils with the necessary skills, knowledge, and experiences that will prepare them for the opportunities and responsibilities of later life. We ensure that children are taught Design and Technology in a way that promotes the progression of skills, building upon previous learning. Our aim is for our pupils to gain experience and proficiency in a wide range of formal design elements and technological concepts. This approach will enhance their learning opportunities, enabling them to utilize Design and Technology across various subjects to promote creativity and problem-solving, ensuring continuous progress.

Implementation – How is the Curriculum Implemented?

At Palmarsh, the design and technology curriculum has been intricately crafted around the learning opportunities and assessment milestones for each year group. This careful design ensures a logical progression and repetition of key learning, knowledge, and skills. To achieve this, we follow a condensed version of the Kapow Design Technology Curriculum. Each class is scheduled to have one Design and Technology lesson per week, alternating every other half term with Art. To provide a reference for assessment and future use, children's work and corresponding pictures are recorded in Design Technology books. We strive to embed Design and Technology within our whole school curriculum, actively seeking opportunities to enhance learning through its implementation.

Impact – What Progress Will Children Make?

Our pupils genuinely enjoy and value Design and Technology as they understand the purpose behind their actions, not just the technical aspects. They develop an appreciation for the value of Design and Technology in relation to their personal well-being, as well as the creative and cultural industries that offer countless career opportunities. In each lesson, we aim to support the progress of all pupils, including those with special educational needs, disadvantages, and higher abilities, by providing appropriate support and resources to help them reach their full potential. Key skills have been deliberately allocated to different year groups to ensure continuous progression across key stages. Regular review and scrutiny of children's work determine the progress of their skills. This is achieved through:

1. Analysis of pupils' work, especially over time, to assess their development in skills and knowledge.
2. Observation of their performance in lessons.
3. Dialogue with students to evaluate their understanding.

The Design and Technology curriculum significantly contributes to the personal development of our pupils in terms of creativity, independence, judgment, and self-reflection. They are able to confidently articulate their work and share it with others, demonstrating progress through outcomes and the extent of the process involved. 

Ultimately, our aim is for our pupils to develop skills and attributes as designers that will go beyond their school years and serve them well into adulthood. Through Design and Technology, children learn to take calculated risks, become resourceful, innovative, enterprising, and capable individuals, contributing positively to society.