Design Technology

Design Technology At St Mary's catholic primary school 

At St. Mary's Primary School, Design Technology is an integral part of our curriculum, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Pupils explore a wide range of projects, from designing and building models to understanding materials and mechanisms. With a focus on teamwork and innovation, children are encouraged to develop practical skills and an understanding of how design can shape the world around them. Through engaging activities, we inspire the next generation of thinkers and makers.

Intent

Design and technology helps to prepare children for the developing world. It is our intent for the children to become creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team.

Our aim is for the children to use their imagination and creativity to design and make a range of products, drawing on their mathematics, science, computing, and art knowledge.

In food technology lessons children will be given the opportunity to cook, understand the importance of nutrition and healthy eating as well as acquiring important life skills.

Implementation

At St. Mary's, we follow the Kapow Primary scheme of work, which aligns with the national curriculum and ensures clear development and progression of skills across all key stages. While we use the Kapow framework, our staff are responsible for planning DT lessons that demonstrate a clear progression of learning.

Children are given opportunities to work within three key areas of development:  

- Investigative, disassembly, and evaluative activities  

- Focused practical tasks  

- Design and make assignments  

The core learning areas covered through Kapow Primary include:  

- Mechanisms  

- Electrical systems  

- Cooking  

- Textiles  

- Digital world  

- Nutrition  

What a typcial lesson looks like:

Rewind: We begin by revisiting prior learning, helping pupils connect and build upon their existing knowledge.  

Teach It: New skills are introduced and explained, providing pupils with the tools they need to progress.  

Practice It: Pupils are given the opportunity to apply and practice the newly learned skills, reinforcing their understanding.  

Assessment: We assess progress to ensure learning objectives are being met and identify areas for further development.

Impact

These areas allow children to create, explore, apply, and problem-solve. By utilising the Kapow scheme, we aim to deliver high-quality lessons that ensure steady progression for all students.

* Our Curriculum Overview (below) outlines which units address National Curriculum attainment targets and key strands.  

* Our Progression of Skills (below) illustrates how skills are taught and developed each year to meet attainment targets by the end of each key stage.  

Designer of the Term:

Designer-of-the-Term-Spring-2-KS1-1.pptxDesigner-of-the-Term-Spring-2-KS2-1.pptx