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In order to develop significant levels of originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes, our curriculum is underpinned by three key concepts:
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Master practical skills This concept involves developing the skills needed to make high quality products (we have highlighted a range of skills but they may be added to or changed as appropriate for your school). |
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Design, make, evaluate and improve This concept involves developing the process of design thinking and seeing design as a process. |
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Take inspiration from design throughout history This concept involves appreciating the design process that has influenced the products we use in everyday life. |
Design and Technology is taught through both ‘blocking’ and ‘cross-curricular’ approaches to allow DT links to be made, as well as links with and across other subjects. Careful thought has been placed upon the sequencing of content so that pupils build upon prior learning and make connections. The curriculum has been specifically designed in this way to allow for a greater number of opportunities for children to work at a greater depth, deepening understanding, promoting critical thinkers and ensuring pupils know and remember more. The curriculum is a progressive model so that by learning the content pupils will make good progress as they move through the school from Early Years to Year 6. Challenge is inherent because the ambition is high for when Easterside Academy pupils leave our school.
Our aim is for all pupils to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely. The DT curriculum allows for children to pose questions, carry out thorough research and show initiative when taking into consideration the users’ needs and requirements. Every opportunity is utilised through the subject to allow children to apply both literacy and mathematical basic skills as well as design and technology skills.
We aim to deliver a thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use in order to make products. This includes use of tools in the outdoor environment such as knives for witling, secateurs and loppers for cutting. Children are taught how to manage risks exceptionally well (risk-benefit assessment) to manufacture products both safely and hygienically. They are given opportunity to design and make products independently and collaboratively, and are taught how to use time efficiently in order to work constructively and productively with others.
We strive to promote a passion for DT through a range of exciting projects linked to each year group’s enquiry question and topic and provide knowledge of up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems. Design and technology challenges the children to develop this knowledge and apply it practically to the design and creation of a variety of projects. From culinary preparations to electrical systems, pupils will design and make products using creativity and imagination. Pupils will learn how to take risks in the realisation of their initial ideas, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.
Through the evaluation stage, they will be encouraged to and provided with the skills needed to ‘peer critique’ their own and others work – ‘Be Kind, Be Specific, Be Helpful’. This technique is explicitly taught throughout our whole curriculum, and in particular focused upon through DT. It helps pupils to develop resilience, perseverance and supports pupils to improve their work further.
Our curriculum is 'active' where possible and opportunities to learn outdoors are taken e.g. using tools outdoors.
Pupils design and technology work is celebrated through ‘Open Mornings’, showcasing ‘Beautiful Work’, ‘displays’ and exhibitions.
Design Technology Outcomes