Design and Technology

Why is DT important to us as a school?
At Saint Joseph’s DT is important to our school as linked to the school mission statement. 

Our curriculum is inclusive where all children are engaged, inspired and encouraged to aim high. The children are encouraged to become independent learners and creative thinkers. Learning is developed through the journey and understanding of our four main core principles; Researching, experimenting and designing, recording and realising intentions.  . As a knowledge-rich curriculum we believe that knowledge underpins and enables the application of skills. Our curriculum is designed to support children in recalling and building upon prior knowledge by continually revisiting core skills, but also increasing challenge year on year.  As each step in a learning journey develops, it incorporates a deeper understanding of prior learning.  The children are able to explore materials, processes and techniques in a safe, secure way where all children’s work is appreciated and celebrated sharing in God’s love for one another. 

In DT children develop a sense of awe and wonder of God’s creation and an appreciation of the work of their own work and the work of others. 

They are supported to develop skills year on year fulfilling their full potential. 

They are encouraged to support and work with each other to share their skills. 

They are enabled to look at their own work and respect the work of others and suggest improvements in a caring and supportive way. Their communication skills are developed throughout their work in looking at their own work and researching the work of other designers. ICT research skills are also developed in meaningful ways. 

Embedded in our curriculum is the exploration and analytical discussion of the work of other designs, architecture, architects, engineers and designers, developing visual literacy and communication skills. We promote appreciation and value in all DT work displaying children’s work of all abilities throughout the year, building their confidence and self-esteem. When appropriate we further broaden our children’s experiences by providing wide ranging extra-curricular opportunities, such as work with the staff at Newman R.C. College Oldham.

What are the aims of DT?
We aim for all pupils to:
•    Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
•    Know that the design process of brief – research – planning – making and evaluating is essential in any project
•    Build and apply a wide range of knowledge and skills in order to design and make prototypes and products 
•    Evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
•    Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook simple dishes.

How is DT taught? 
DT is taught once a term, with Art and DT being taught on alternative half-terms. It is taught in blocks of lessons over a week period.  This is to ensure the children can design, research, experiment and then carry out a piece over work in a meaningful way. Booklets are used by the children from Year 1 upwards to record their work. 

DT is taught by using the objectives from the National Curriculum and with the use of our Progression of Key Skills document to ensure progression throughout the school. 

Evidence of DT is kept in a portfolio in each class and a whole school portfolio is being developed. 

What do we hope children will get from DT? 
At Saint Joseph’s, the children will have developed the skills in DT and Food Technology fulfilling their own potential.  They will have developed a love and a feeling of success in DT leading to some to be inspired to take up DT at GCSE and further forward a career in which all can use and apply the skills that they have developed. 

Children will have developed their ability to become good communicators, independent learners, and creative thinkers. 

The children will have developed a deeper knowledge of a range of architecture, engineering and designs and attempted to explore some of the techniques used themselves. The children exploring a range of themes will gain a good understanding and learn to a deeper questioning skills of the world around them and lead to a sense of awe, wonder and respect for God’s World. They develop their ability to use and apply their knowledge from other subjects such as maths and science. They will appreciate and celebrate both their own work and the work of others. They will be able to critique in a constructive and supportive way. 
 

What we teach across the school in this subject: