At Ridgeway Primary Academy we intend to build a Design and Technology curriculum which is inspiring, rigorous, and practical.

We want our children to use creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. We intend for all children to acquire appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. We nurture our children’s creativity and imaginative thinking. They will learn to talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making.

We want Design and Technology to prepare our children to be successful in later life, giving them the opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences they need in order to do this.  

Implementation

Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning and it is for this reason that as a school we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum.

This is implemented through:

• A well thought out, whole school, yearly overview of the DT curriculum which allows for progression across year groups in all areas of DT (textiles, mechanisms, structures, food and electrical systems)

• Well planned and resourced projects providing children with a hands-on and enriching experience

• A range of skills being taught ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken

• Each project from Year 1 to Year 6 addressing the principles of designing, making, and evaluating and incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding in relevant contexts.

• Pupils being introduced to specific designers, chefs, nutritionists, engineers etc. helping to develop an appreciation of human creativity and achievement and increase the cultural capital from which they can draw in the future.

During the EYFS, pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities.

Impact

Children will have a clear enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology that they will then apply to other areas of the curriculum. Through carefully planned and implemented learning activities, the pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. They gain a firm foundation of knowledge and skills to see them equipped to take on further learning in Secondary School. Pupil’s skills and knowledge are assessed throughout the year by their class teacher, against year group objectives. This informs the Design and Technology coordinator of any further areas for curriculum development, pupil support and/or training requirements for staff.

Design and Technology provides our children with opportunities to design, make and evaluate real-world functioning products. As young designers, engineers and chefs, the children will develop skills and attributes they can use beyond school and take into the workplace.