Design & Technology
Design and Technology intent, implementation and impact
Intent:
At Beech Hill Primary School, our goal is to develop a Design Technology curriculum that is engaging, challenging, and hands-on. We aim to nurture creativity and imagination, encouraging children to design and create products that address real-world problems in various contexts while considering purpose, as well as their own and others’ needs, wants, and values. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that all children gain essential subject knowledge, skills, and understanding as outlined in the National Curriculum. Additionally, we strive to establish meaningful cross-curricular connections with subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Art, and Music.
Implementation:
Design and Technology plays a vital role in school life and learning, which is why we are committed to delivering a high-quality DT curriculum. This is achieved through:
- A well-structured, whole-school yearly overview that ensures clear progression across year groups in all areas of DT, including textiles, mechanisms, structures, food, and electrical systems.
- Carefully planned and well-resourced projects that provide hands-on, enriching experiences for all children.
- The teaching of a broad range of skills, with a strong emphasis on health and safety considerations relevant to each task.
- Empowering teachers with the flexibility to plan and deliver DT lessons effectively, often through immersive lesson blocks that allow children the time to be critical, inventive, and reflective in their work.
- Ensuring that every project, from Year 1 to Year 6, incorporates the key elements of designing, making, and evaluating, while embedding relevant technical knowledge and understanding within meaningful contexts.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
In the EYFS, children explore and engage with a variety of media and materials through a balance of child-led and adult-guided activities. They have opportunities to:
- Experiment with different media and materials to express their own ideas creatively.
- Apply their understanding of materials in unique ways, considering form, function, and purpose.
- Plan and construct with intent, using a range of resources.
- Develop essential skills to use simple tools and techniques safely, effectively, and appropriately.
- Choose suitable materials for their projects and make adaptations as needed.
- Learn basic cooking and food preparation skills while following good health and hygiene practices.
Impact:
Children will develop a strong sense of enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology, allowing them to apply their skills across other areas of the curriculum. Through well-structured and engaging learning experiences, pupils build the creative, technical, and practical expertise necessary for everyday tasks and to thrive in an increasingly technological world. They acquire a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, preparing them for further learning in high school.
Ongoing assessment by class teachers ensures continuous monitoring of pupils' progress throughout lessons. This process helps identify areas for curriculum improvement, additional pupil support, and any staff training needs. Pupils' attainment is assessed to determine whether they are working below, at, or above the expected standard for their age.