Design and Technology (D&T) provides the pupils at Ryhope Junior School with an opportunity to use their creativity and imagination to make products that solve real and relevant problems. The cross curricular nature of Design and Technology allows the children to acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and to apply skills from other subjects such as maths, science, computing, and art. The children learn the processes of design through research, planning, designing, making and evaluation. Children learn independently and in groups, learning to co-operate, share ideas and critique and evaluate their own and each other’s work. They are encouraged to use a wide variety of tools, equipment, and materials in their designs, enabling them to develop into resourceful, innovative, enterprising, and capable citizens.
Intent
What are we trying to achieve through our curriculum…
At Ryhope Junior School, we intend to build a Design & Technology curriculum which is inspiring, rigorous, and practical. We intend for all children to acquire appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum. We want our children to use creativity and imagination within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, and values. We enable our children to develop the creative, technical, and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Children are given the opportunity to build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users. Critiquing, evaluating, and testing their ideas and products and the work of others plays an important role in the process of Design and Technology lessons. Children are given the skills to understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook – an ever-important life skill.
Implementation
How our curriculum is delivered…
Design and Technology is a vital part of life and learning and as a school, we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum.
Our D&T curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced, building upon prior knowledge and skills and allowing for progression as pupils move through the primary phase. Units of work are well-structured, ensuring a logical progression through different aspects of design and technology.
We actively seek opportunities to link D&T with other subjects, such as science, mathematics, art, and computing. This integration allows pupils to apply and consolidate skills and knowledge from various disciplines, making learning more meaningful and relevant.
We place great emphasis on providing real-world contexts for D&T projects. Pupils are given opportunities to address authentic design challenges. This approach enhances engagement, promotes problem-solving skills, and prepares pupils for the challenges they may encounter in the future.
Our D&T curriculum focuses on the acquisition and application of both practical skills and theoretical knowledge. Children learn to use a range of hand tools, materials, and digital technologies, while also developing their understanding of design principles, construction techniques, and product evaluations.
In the wider school, an ongoing gardening club runs throughout the year where children grow, and harvest produce to share amongst their peers. Children learn about where our food comes from by growing their own, and the importance of a balanced, healthy, and varied diet and how to prepare it.
Impact
The difference our curriculum is making…
The impact of our D&T curriculum is evident across several areas, allowing children to develop into confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals.
Children develop a broad and deep knowledge of different design processes, materials, and tools. They gain a wide range of practical skills, including sketching, modelling, prototyping, and evaluating. Children are confident in using a variety of both traditional and digital technologies to support their design and making.
Our D&T curriculum nurtures pupils' creativity, encouraging them to generate original ideas and explore innovative solutions to design challenges. Children are not afraid to take risks, learn from failure, and think outside the box. They can apply critical and creative thinking skills to design problems, demonstrating resourcefulness and inventiveness.
Through collaborative projects and teamwork, children learn how to effectively communicate their ideas, listen to the perspectives of others, and negotiate compromises. They develop important social skills, including empathy, respect, and the ability to work harmoniously in a team.
D&T projects often involve trial and error, requiring children to persevere when faced with setbacks. They learn the value of resilience, problem-solving, and iterative design processes. By fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, we equip our children with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of an ever-evolving world.