Intent 

At Bierton, we recognise that Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous  and practical subject. Design and Technology encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. We aim to provide all children with a broad and balanced curriculum which prepares them for life beyond primary education. We will fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for design and technology and ensure the progressive development of knowledge and skills which build on previous learning thereby ensuring pupils’ learning becomes embedded. Design and technology at Bierton will be fully inclusive to every child.  The Design and Technology curriculum combines skills, knowledge, concepts and values to enable children to tackle real and relevant problems. We encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. It can improve analysis, problem-solving, practical capability and evaluation skills. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing and art. 

Implementation

We use a clear and comprehensive scheme of work in line with the National Curriculum. It is planned for, and covered in full within the EYFS, KS1 and KS2 school curriculum. We use the Kapow Scheme of Work to meet the requirements of the Development Matters for Early Years, and the National Curriculum for Key Stage 1 and 2. Across each key stage, children will undertake a construction topic, a textile topic and a food/drink topic.  The delivery of each topic will follow the design processes of: research, design, make and evaluate. 

A range of skills will be taught, ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken. To develop independent learning, children will be asked to solve problems, discuss potential solutions to real life situations and self-evaluate their work. Projects include clear and appropriate cross-curricular links to underpin learning in multiple areas across the curriculum, giving  children opportunities to learn life skills and apply skills to ‘hands on’ situations in a purposeful context. 

In design and technology, children may well be asked to work as part of a team, learning to support and help one another towards a challenging, yet rewarding goal. 

Impact

By the time children leave Bierton school, they have had the opportunity to take part in a range of DT projects. We aim for children to enjoy their DT days and speak enthusiastically about the subject. We want children to have a solid grounding in each DT strand, preparing them for DT studies in KS3 and beyond. Children will have an awareness of the development of the man-made world and how engineers, past and present, have had a positive impact on our lives. We aim for children to take part in well-executed and well-conceived practical solutions.