Denaby Main Primary Academy Astrea Academy Trust
We value Design Technology. WE ARE DESIGNERS and TECHNOLOGISTS!
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. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.
Our design technology curriculum promotes curiosity and a love and thirst for learning. It is ambitious and empowers our children to become independent and resilient – like all curriculum areas. We use the ‘Kapow’ scheme to support our teaching which offers our children a broad and balanced DT curriculum, providing them with unforgettable projects and specialised skills in woodwork, textiles, food, structures, mechanical and electrical systems.
Our DT curriculum begins in our Nursery where children learn through play and exploration and progresses in Reception and into Year 1.
Please click on our curriculum documents to view the progression of DT.
DT-Progression-of-skills-and-knowledge-01_09_22-1
Standard-Long-term-plan-DT-19-08-2022-1
2023 KS1 Annual Plan – updated May 23
Annual Plan KS2 2023 – updated May 23
We want to equip children with not only the minimum statutory requirements of the design technology National Curriculum but to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. For example, we have a wonderful school garden where the children frequently visit, plant seeds and grow different fruits and vegetables each year.
We enrich their time in our school with memorable, unforgettable experiences and provide opportunities. For example, children take part in a ‘Come Dine with me’ experience in Key Stage 2, this involves children researching and preparing a three-course meal, they taste-test and score food and when they aren’t cooking, they research the journey of their main ingredient (from ‘farm to fork’) and write a delicious favourite recipe to include in a whole class cookbook!!
Pupils work in DT is recorded in our floor books, each project has a knowledge organiser as an overview of the learning that will take place and the new vocabulary that will be introduced.
Design technology subject specific characteristics, which we expect the children to demonstrate, have been developed and shared with all stakeholders. These characteristics underpin all work in DT and form a focal point for display areas and provide a common subject specific vocabulary for staff and pupils. These characteristics are:
- Significant levels of originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes.
- An excellent attitude to learning and independent working and passion for the subject and knowledge of, up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.
- The ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
- The ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
- The ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
- A thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
- The ability to apply mathematical knowledge.
- The ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.