Gamston St Peter's CofE Primary School Design and Technology Curriculum

At Gamston St Peter's CofE Primary School, our Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum prepares pupils to engage with today’s rapidly changing world. Through creative thinking, we encourage pupils to make positive changes that enhance their quality of life and empower them to become innovative problem-solvers.

Curriculum Overview

Our D&T curriculum aims to:

• Foster Creativity and Autonomy: Encourage pupils to become autonomous and creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. We empower them to identify needs and opportunities, responding by developing ideas and ultimately creating products and systems.

• Integrate Practical Skills with Theory: Combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social, and environmental issues, as well as functions and industrial practises. This holistic approach allows pupils to reflect on and evaluate past and present design and technology.

• Promote Critical Understanding: Develop a critical understanding of the impact of design and technology on daily life and the wider world, helping pupils become informed consumers and innovative thinkers.

Intent

Our goals for the D&T curriculum include:

• Empowering Problem-Solving: Equip pupils with the skills to identify problems and develop effective solutions, fostering a mindset of innovation and resilience.

• Encouraging Collaboration: Promote teamwork and collaboration, enabling pupils to work together to achieve common goals and share diverse perspectives.

• Building Informed Consumers: Help pupils understand the implications of design choices, enabling them to become discriminating and informed consumers who appreciate the value of quality design.

By the end of their time at Gamston St Peter's CofE Primary School, pupils will have a well-rounded understanding of design and technology, equipping them to navigate and contribute to the world around them.

Implementation

Our D&T curriculum is structured around the National Curriculum and is supported by the Design & Technology Association. Key elements include:

• Long-Term Planning: We utilise Key Learning and Progression in Skills grids to develop comprehensive long-term planning, ensuring a coherent and progressive learning journey.

• Unit Planning: Teachers use long-term planning to design units of work and deliver individual lessons that are engaging and relevant to pupils’ interests.

• Practical Application: Pupils engage in hands-on activities that reinforce their understanding of design principles and enhance their practical skills.

Impact

The impact of our D&T curriculum is evident in various ways:

• Creative Outcomes: Pupils will produce innovative and functional products, demonstrating their ability to apply their knowledge and skills effectively.

• Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Our curriculum fosters a culture of creativity and critical thinking, enabling pupils to approach challenges with confidence and resourcefulness.

• Holistic Development: By integrating D&T across the curriculum, we ensure that pupils can apply their learning in various contexts, enhancing their overall educational experience.

Through a variety of enriching experiences, including well-structured D&T lessons and community engagement, our pupils will be prepared to thrive in an increasingly complex and technological world.