Design and Technology

What is DT?

Design and Technology prepares children to deal with tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. It encourages children to become independent, creative problem solvers and thinkers as individuals and part of a team.

"Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you look deeper, it's really how it works."

Steve Jobs

"Technology makes possibilities. Design makes solutions."

John Maeda

Intent

At Belmont Primary School, children in DT are:

Designers who gather knowledge, strategically plan and choose materials

Makers who pay attention to detail by self-evaluating and adapt planning as they go

Evaluators who are reflective by testing effectiveness, making improvements to fulfil a purpose

Implementation

The teaching of Design Technology across the school follows the National Curriculum through the use of Design and Technology Association's 'Projects On A Page' planning. The Design and Technology curriculum develops children’s understanding of the world and how we live and work within it. Through investigating technological processes and manufactured products, pupils can appreciate the important contribution these make to our society.  Design and Technology offers children opportunities to nurture creativity and innovation through designing and making products with a purpose and intended user in mind.  The Curriculum includes opportunities to explore textiles, structures, mechanisms and food technology. Food Technology is implemented across the school with children developing an understanding of where food comes from, how to prepare food and the importance of a varied and healthy diet.

Design and Technology at Belmont is cross curricular and draws upon subject knowledge and skills within Mathematics, Science, History, Computing and Art. Children learn to be risk takers, resilient, reflective, innovative and enterprising. Through the evaluation of past and present technology they can reflect upon the impact of Design Technology on everyday life and the wider world.

Impact

DT at Belmont is designed to give all children, including disadvantaged pupils and pupils with SEND, the knowledge and cultural capital to succeed in the next stage of their education. The children develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. They also build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users and evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others. They also understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. Assessment of children's learning in Design Technology is an ongoing monitoring of children's understanding, knowledge and skills by the class teacher, throughout a series of lessons. This assessment is then used to inform differentiation, support and challenge required by the children. Design Technology is also monitored by the subject leader undertaking pupil interviews to discuss their learning and understanding; establishing the impact of the teaching taking place.

DT GALLERY

 Pupil voice

“I liked the sewing and making part of the snood project. I knew how to sew already but I definitely got to improve my sewing skills and it was fun seeing everyone’s designs.” – Danqi

“I really enjoyed making bread, especially because we worked in teams so it was extra fun!” – Gretel

“Very fun. Very messy and a whole new experience” – Matilda

 Policy

Please refer to our Policies and Procedures page.