Design Technology - Kenton Primary School

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Design Technology at Kenton Primary School

Intent Statement

“Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works.”
Steve Jobs

At Kenton Primary School, we believe that Design and Technology (D&T) plays a vital role in our curriculum, providing our pupils with the skills, knowledge, and creativity they need to become confident and resourceful individuals. Our intent is to deliver an excellent D&T education that fosters a love for problem-solving, innovation, and critical thinking amongst our learners. We aim to equip our pupils with the necessary skills to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-life situations, preparing them for life beyond the classroom. We want our children to draw on their knowledge from Maths and Science, Computing and Art and pull that knowledge together to create DT project briefs. We want them to be able to take risks and know that mistakes are part of a design and build process. We want children to be resourceful, innovative and enterprising and ultimately use those skills to become a capable citizen who problem solves and takes calculated risks, We have planned our units of work carefully from EYFS to Year 6 on a rolling, mixed Year curriculum to enable children to build on their skills and create end products which they evaluate and present what they’ve produced.

Implementation Statement

To ensure the successful implementation of our D&T curriculum, we use the Kapow scheme of work which is a carefully planned sequential and progressive curriculum that covers the breadth of skills and knowledge outlined in the National Curriculum. Our Design and Technology curriculum is taught by well-trained teachers who are supported by the DT coordinator and given appropriate CPD where necessary to ensure successful implementation of the curriculum. Links with secondary schools are made where possible to enable staff to confidently plan for progression to KS3.

Our implementation of D&T is underpinned by the following key principles:

1. Skills Development

We deliver D&T experiences that enable our pupils to develop a wide range of practical skills. They learn to select and use appropriate tools and materials, as well as develop accuracy, resilience, and perseverance in their work. They are encouraged to take risks, learn from failure, and develop problem-solving abilities through hands-on activities.

2. Design Process

Our pupils are taught the design process, ensuring they understand the importance of research, planning, making, and evaluating their own projects. We encourage them to think critically and apply their knowledge to generate and refine ideas, keeping in mind the intended purpose and audience of their designs.

3. Cross-Curricular Links

We actively promote cross-curricular links between D&T and other subjects, enabling our pupils to transfer and apply skills from various disciplines. Through these connections, our pupils develop a broader understanding of the world, recognizing the importance of D&T in everyday life and different contexts.

4. Creativity and Innovation

We foster creativity, curiosity, and innovation in D&T by providing opportunities for open-ended design challenges. Our pupils are encouraged to think creatively and explore original solutions, using their imagination to develop products that are both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Impact Statement

Through the implementation of our D&T curriculum, we have witnessed significant impact on learners at our school. The impact can be seen through the following outcomes:

1. Increased Engagement and Eagerness to Learn

Our pupils have shown consistently high levels of engagement in D&T lessons, demonstrating enthusiasm, curiosity, and eagerness to learn. They actively participate in practical activities, share ideas, collaborate with peers, and confidently ask questions. Pupil voice and feedback indicate a genuine enjoyment and interest in D&T.

2. Acquisition of Transferable Skills

Pupils are acquiring and developing a wide range of transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and communication. These skills are not only evident in D&T lessons but also in other areas of the curriculum, promoting holistic development and supporting lifelong learning.

3. Progress and Attainment

Our pupils consistently make strong progress and attain high levels of achievement in D&T. They can apply their theoretical understanding to real-life situations, demonstrating high levels of competence in designing, making, and evaluating functional products. Assessment data is carefully tracked to provide formative judgements, gaps in children’s knowledge and skills are identified early and targeted through adaptive teaching to ensure good progress for all.

4. Increased Aspirations and Career Awareness

Our D&T provision has contributed to pupils’ awareness of a wide range of careers that utilize design and technological skills. Pupils are motivated to pursue further study or careers in STEM-related fields, showing increased aspirations and understanding of the real-world applications of D&T.

5. Cultural Understanding and Appreciation

Through cross-curricular links in D&T, our pupils develop an appreciation and understanding of cultural diversity. They explore the cultural significance of design and technology throughout history and across different societies, fostering respect and tolerance for diverse perspectives.

Through our well-planned curriculum, strong teaching strategies, and focus on individual progression, we ensure that our pupils receive an outstanding education in D&T, preparing them for a future in a technologically advanced and design-conscious world.