Picture by Matthew Yohe

Intent

Design and Technology at Dudley Wood helps to prepare our children for the developing world by nurturing a greater awareness and understanding of how everyday products are designed and made. Pupils combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as functions and industrial practices. It encourages children to use a range of materials and processes to become creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. Through the study of Design and technology at Dudley Wood, pupils are prepared to function in their wider world by becoming discriminating and informed consumers, as well as tomorrow’s potential innovators.

Implementation

Throughout the Design and Technology curriculum, the children will be tasked with a variety of projects that are rooted in real-world problems and challenges. With projects ranging from classroom dilemmas to community support, from national energy saving to international plastic crisis, the pupils will develop skills and fundamental design knowledge to help solve a range of problems. Using the repeated pattern of RESEARCH - PRACTISE - DESIGN - MAKE - EVALUATE the children will work through a spiral curriculum that builds on knowledge and skills.

By the end of their journey in DT pupils will:

• Understand the fundamentals of a variety of food groups, dietary needs, cooking skills and the importance of a healthy lifestyle
• Have a comprehensive understanding of the importance of food safety and hygiene
• Comprehend consumer awareness and the impact food and its packaging has upon the environment
• Can design, make and evaluate a variety of structures, mechanical systems and electrical systems
• Design, make and evaluate a variety of products based upon set criteria and considering the views of others
• Apply their growing understanding to offer practical and creative solutions to a variety of real-world challenges
• Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world

Impact

The impact of the Design and Technology curriculum will be measured by looking at the learning outcomes against the learning objectives.  The children's designs and products will be assessed for their aesthetic features as well as their functionality.  The children's knowledge and understanding will be assessed through pupil voice.

Characteristics of an innovator

• Has an expanding knowledge about the designed and made world and how things work
• Is continually learning and developing their knowledge when designing and making functional products for particular purposes and users
• Has an excellent attitude to learning and independent working
• Acquires and applies knowledge and understanding of materials and components, mechanisms and control systems, structures, existing products, quality and health and safety
• Applies their knowledge from a range of curriculum subjects including: Science, Maths, ICT and Art and Design
• Is able to develop their skills through collaborative working and problem-solving, as well as knowledge in design, materials, structures, mechanisms and electrical control
• Is encouraged to be creative and innovative, and are actively encouraged to think about important issues such as sustainability and enterprise

Whole school overview

Knowledge Organisers

A knowledge organiser is a document that summarises the key information and essential knowledge about your child's learning.