Intent:
The curriculum at Codicote School is varied and purposeful, aimed at ensuring children can and make use of design and technology effectively in their everyday lives. It is based on a clear progression of skills, and follows a sequence to build on previous learning to build a secure knowledge and understanding of the use and purpose of design and technology in our everyday lives.
Our children gain practical experience and skills of a wide range of formal elements of design and concepts of technology; enabling them to use design and technology confidently across a range of subjects and contexts to be creative and solve real and relevant problems, considering their own and other’s needs, wants and values, ensuring they make progress and aim for excellence.
Implementation:
The school follows the National Curriculum, covering all aspects through the school, including: designing, making and evaluating products and cooking and nutrition. The curriculum builds on previous learning and provides both support and challenge for learners. All aspects are taught throughout the key stages, usually using a blocked approach. Where appropriate, learning is set in a cross curricular context.
DT begins with exploration of different materials, tools and techniques to construct with purpose in mind. Children put this into action by designing, making and evaluating purposeful, functional and appealing products. They are taught the skills needed to implement their designs, and those needed as part of the planning and evaluation of their products. They select and use a range of tools and materials to perform practical tasks.
As they progress through the school, children use research to devise their own design criteria to aid their design of innovative, functional and appealing products fit for purpose. They will select and use a wider range of tools and materials, working with more complex structures, using mechanical and electrical systems, applying computing knowledge in their products as well as preparing and cooking predominately savoury dishes.
Staff have a high level of understanding of the progression of skills needed, and the specific safety needs around using tools and techniques appropriately.
Impact:
Children understand and appreciate the value of Design and Technology in the context of their own lives and the creative and cultural industries. It contributes to their personal development in creativity, independence, judgement and self-reflection. They develop the skills and vocabulary necessary to create their intended designs and can talk confidently about their work, evaluating, refining and improving the outcomes as their work progresses.
Skills Progression in Design and Technology