Design & Technology
Intent
Design and technology at Earlham is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. It is based around using creativity and imagination- pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems.
Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, pupils develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. DT in our school has a real world context - our pupils are given opportunities to design objects for a purpose. We also work in partnership with a range of STEM associations such as Architects in London and I Can Be so that children can clearly see how the knowledge and skills they are developing at Earlham can lead to career opportunities.
Implementation
In order to gain a wide variety of DT skills and knowledge, the National Curriculum for DT is taught over three units a year, once every full term and alternating with Art. The children work through a cycle of design, test and refine. The units covered include: structures, mechanisms, electrical systems, textiles and food.
The science and economics of healthy eating are taught alongside cooking - we want to inspire a love of cooking as a creative process as well as a life skill, this is particularly relevant to children at Earlham and obesity levels in Newham.
Children are taught to use a wide range of materials and techniques creatively to design and make products. They are taught about the work of a range of artists, architects and designers in history. Children are also given the opportunity to experiment with and increase their awareness of different kinds of art, craft and design.
Impact
Assessment of children's learning in Design Technology takes the form of ongoing monitoring of children's understanding, knowledge and skills using key questioning skills built into lessons by the class teacher. Child-led assessments such as success criteria and evaluation grids / end of unit quizzes are also used to inform the scaffolding of work, support and challenge required by the children.
Design Technology is also monitored by the subject leader throughout the year in the form of collection of evidence (photos), class book monitoring, looking at outcomes measured against age-based progression and pupil interviews to discuss their learning. This tangible evidence aids understanding and establishes the impact of the teaching taking place.
As a result of this assessment and monitoring we know that Earlham children will know more, remember more and understand more about DT. Children retain prior-learning and explicitly make connections between what they have previously learned and what they are currently learning - as well as to other subjects.
By the time children leave our school they will have an excellent attitude towards learning and independent working, the ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others and the ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop a detailed knowledge of users’ needs. The DT curriculum has enabled children to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using a range of materials carefully and working safely. It equips learners with a thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products and the ability to apply mathematical knowledge and skills accurately. It engenders the ability to manage risks, be resourceful, innovative and enterprising to manufacture products safely and hygienically.
Children will be equipped with DT skills and knowledge that will enable them to be ready for the curriculum at Key Stage 3 and for life as a capable citizen in the wider world.
