Technology
‘Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils 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.’ The National Curriculum
Design and Technology is highly valued as it allows children to recognise everyone has different viewpoints and needs as well as encouraging them to be creative, resourceful and to innovate. ‘To live life in all its fullness’ we need to be aware of the essential contribution that developing well designed, meaningful products contributes to our 'creativity, culture, wealth and well-being.’
Intent
At Roundhay St John’s our technology curriculum has been linked to the children’s learning journeys with the intent of developing a deep understanding of context and enthusiasm to enable them to purposefully develop their ideas within a brief. It is intended that pupils are provided with opportunities for reflection and evaluation that enables them to gain confidence in taking control of their learning, and aspire to develop skills.
Implementation
We follow the National curriculum for Food and materials technology. The children follow a progressive curriculum that introduces them to new skills and materials as they progress through school. The children are encouraged to make choices between materials and experiment to discover the best approaches and materials to fulfil their brief. Sketchbooks are used to enable the children to plan and evaluate. Our SEND pupils are supported to access the curriculum and the provision of choice enables all children to make decisions and experiment to both embed and develop their learning.
All pupils throughout school have regular technology lessons and each year group builds on the knowledge and skills taught in previous years. Vocabulary and technique is always a focus and from EYFS the children are taught to use this language and develop their skills to use the equipment and materials, including ICT, confidently. Children are encouraged to be able to express an opinion of their own work and that of others in order to develop their thinking and decision making.
Impact
We see the impact of our curriculum in the outcomes of every lesson. We know children learn more and remember more as they progress through school as the curriculum revisits key knowledge and skills. The children keep a folder of their work from Year 1 to Year 6 which celebrates the progress they are making. Children are able to explore their thought processes and express their ideas independently through design work in sketchbooks. Our learning environment is enhanced with displays of children’s products and designs. Whole school events such as the great egg race stimulate a high level of interest and motivation. Children are equipped with the skills to solve problems creatively. They develop the skills and knowledge to cook and feed themselves healthily.
Read our Design Technology Policy
