"Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you look deeper, it's really how it works." – Steve Jobs

At Hadrian Primary School, we value Design Technology. WE ARE DESIGNERS and TECHNOLOGISTS!

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

This year, we have redesigned our curriculum, and Design and Technology is taught together with Art and Design. The subjects alternate per half term, and empower children to develop and hone their knowledge and skills which seamlessly weave together. 

Curriculum Intent: 

Our design technology curriculum promotes curiosity and a love and thirst for learning. It is ambitious and empowers our children to become independent and resilient – like all curriculum areas. We follow the ‘Kapow’ scheme which offers our children a broad and balanced DT curriculum, providing them with unforgettable projects and specialised skills in the strands of Design and Technology. The combined curriculum map teaches the fundamental skills and knowledge in a progressive way.

We want to equip children at Hadrian with not only the minimum statutory requirements of the design technology National Curriculum but to prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. For example, we have a wonderful school garden where the children frequently visit, plant seeds and grow different fruits and vegetables each year. We enrich their time in our school with memorable, unforgettable experiences and provide opportunities which are normally out of reach – this piques their interests and passions. For example, children take part in a ‘Come Dine with me’ experience in Key Stage 2, this involves children researching and preparing a three-course meal, they taste-test and score food and when they aren’t cooking, they research the journey of their main ingredient (from ‘farm to fork’) and write a delicious favourite recipe to include in a whole class cookbook!! Who will get a super score?!

We are confident that when children leave Hadrian and take their next steps in the world, they will be very well equipped to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. 

Curriculum Implementation: 

In September 2023, following feedback from staff, the decision was made to integrate DT and Art. This is implemented through the use of the Kapow scheme, which is structured in a way to teach the required knowledge and skills stipulated in the National Curriculum, but also empowers children to apply the skills taught in Art in their DT work.

Initially, pupils take inspiration from design throughout history to help generate ideas for designs. They explore and practice the practical skills involved in the topic and then design, make, evaluate and refine their final products. This approach is taken for every design technology topic. Pupils work in DT is recorded in books, each project has a knowledge organiser as an overview of the learning that will take place and the new vocabulary that will be introduced.

Design technology subject specific characteristics, which we expect the children to demonstrate, have been developed and shared with all stakeholders. These characteristics underpin all work in DT and form a focal point for display areas and provide a common subject specific vocabulary for staff and pupils. These characteristics are:

• Significant levels of originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes.
• An excellent attitude to learning and independent working and passion for the subject and knowledge of, up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.
• The ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
• The ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
• The ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
• A thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
• The ability to apply mathematical knowledge.
• The ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.

DT is taught once a term (Autumn 2, Spring 2, Summer 2). Each topic is 4 lessons long and will last 4 weeks. It involves the integration of the design cycle for each topic. Additionally, there will be opportunities for DT projects from external agencies.This gives our children the exciting opportunity to meet experts in mechanics, nutrition and structure development and inspire their future dreams and desires.

Curriculum Impact

Our DT curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression. We carefully support children through DT projects to ensure they make  good or better progress. We then assess each unit against the National Curriculum Objectives in computing using Sonar. 

Assessment information is collected frequently and analysed as part of our monitoring cycle. This process provides an accurate and comprehensive understanding of the quality of education in design technology. A comprehensive monitoring cycle is developed at the beginning of each academic year. This identifies when monitoring is undertaken. Monitoring in design technology includes: book scrutinies, lesson observations and/or learning walks, child and staff voice.

All of this information is gathered and reviewed. It is used to inform further curriculum developments and provision is adapted accordingly.

 At Hadrian Primary School, we are DESIGNERS AND TECHNOLOGISTS! 

EYFS (Nursery and Reception)

In the EYFS children are encouraged to explore and use a variety of media and materials during a combination Continuous and Enhanced Provision as well as some adult led activities. Children are given opportunities to:

• Use different media and materials to express their own ideas. e.g. Making clay Diva lamps, constructing rockets from junk modelling materials.
• Begin to make plans and construct with a purpose in mind, using a variety of resources. E.g. drawing designs in the construction area.
• Use what they know about different media and materials in original ways, not being afraid to explore and try new things. 
• Learn how to use simple tools and techniques appropriately, effectively and safely
• Identify foods that are good or not good for them and learn how to prepare some foods hygienically.

In Early Years, we want our children to have lots of active, hands-on experiences that encourage their communication and language skills. We nurture our children in becoming critical and creative thinkers by giving them limitless opportunities to design, make and evaluate their models, creations and designs. 

Aims

The national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world

build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users

critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

Attainment targets

By the end of each key stage, pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study.

Schools are not required by law to teach the example content in [square brackets].

Subject content

Key stage 1

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils should be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They should work in a range of relevant contexts [for example, the home and school, gardens and playgrounds, the local community, industry and the wider environment].

When designing and making, pupils should be taught to:

Design

design purposeful, functional, appealing products for themselves and other users based on design criteria

generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through talking, drawing, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, information and communication technology

Make

select from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing]

select from and use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their characteristics

Evaluate

explore and evaluate a range of existing products

evaluate their ideas and products against design criteria

Technical knowledge

build structures, exploring how they can be made stronger, stiffer and more stable

explore and use mechanisms [for example, levers, sliders, wheels and axles], in their products.

Subject content

Key stage 2

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils should be taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They should work in a range of relevant contexts [for example, the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment].

When designing and making, pupils should be taught to:

Design

use research and develop design criteria to inform the design of innovative, functional, appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups

generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches, cross-sectional and exploded diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design

Make

select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks [for example, cutting, shaping, joining and finishing], accurately

select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities

Evaluate

investigate and analyse a range of existing products

evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world

Technical knowledge

apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures

understand and use mechanical systems in their products [for example, gears, pulleys, cams, levers and linkages]

understand and use electrical systems in their products [for example, series circuits incorporating switches, bulbs, buzzers and motors]

apply their understanding of computing to program, monitor and control their products.

Cooking and nutrition

As part of their work with food, pupils should be taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. Instilling a love of cooking in pupils will also open a door to one of the great expressions of human creativity. Learning how to cook is a crucial life skill that enables pupils to feed themselves and others affordably and well, now and in later life.

Pupils should be taught to:

Key stage 1

use the basic principles of a healthy and varied diet to prepare dishes

understand where food comes from.

Key stage 2

understand and apply the principles of a healthy and varied diet

prepare and cook a variety of predominantly savoury dishes using a range of cooking techniques

understand seasonality, and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed.

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British Values

Collaborative work in design and technology develops mutual respect for the differing opinions, beliefs and abilities of others. In addition, children develop a respect for the environment, for their own health and safety and that of others. They learn to appreciate the value of similarities and differences and learn to show tolerance. A variety of experiences teaches them to appreciate that all people – and their views – are equally important. Children are encouraged to work in a democratic way, exercising the ‘give and take’ required for successful teamwork.