Design & Technology

Design and Technology

Intent

At Bryn Offa Primary School, our Design and Technology curriculum aims to inspire and equip our students with the creative, technical, and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. We envision a learning environment where students are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems, and develop a deep understanding of the design process. Our goal is to foster a culture of innovation and curiosity, where students feel empowered to explore and experiment with new ideas.

Our objectives are to nurture students' creativity and innovation by providing opportunities to design, make, and evaluate products that solve real and relevant problems. We aim to develop practical skills and knowledge in using a variety of tools, materials, and techniques safely and effectively. Additionally, we seek to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by encouraging students to analyse and evaluate their own work and the work of others. We believe it is important for children to spend time researching and learning about individuals and important designs which have made a significant impact on the world of technology. Promoting teamwork and collaboration is also key, helping students to communicate and work effectively with others. Finally, we aim to instil an understanding of the importance of sustainability and the impact of design and technology on the environment.

We believe in hands-on learning, where students engage in projects that challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills in practical ways. Our approach includes integrating design and technology with other subjects, such as science, mathematics, computing, PSHCE and art, to provide a holistic learning experience. We are committed to inclusive education, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background or abilities, have access to high-quality design and technology education.

By the end of their primary education at Bryn Offa, our students will have developed a strong foundation in design and technology. They will have had many opportunities to creatively design, make and evaluate products that solve real and relevant problems, considering the needs of others and themselves. Our pupils will be well-prepared to face the challenges of the future with confidence, creativity, and a commitment to sustainability.

Implementation

At Bryn Offa Primary School, our Design and Technology curriculum is implemented with a focus on providing a comprehensive, engaging, and practical learning experience for all students. Our approach ensures that students develop the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in a technologically advanced world, which is ever changing.

Our curriculum is structured around key stages, with each stage building on the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous one. We have designed a progressive curriculum that introduces students to increasingly complex concepts and techniques as they advance through their primary education, whilst accounting for our mixed-year classes. Within Reception, the children begin to incorporate the building blocks, through the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, needed to access our Design and Technology curriculum. Throughout KS2, children research and learn about individual designers and designs, which have made a substantial impact on the world of technology.
Through Projects on a Page, students engage in hands-on projects that are both challenging and enjoyable. These projects are designed to encourage creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. By working on real-world problems, students learn to apply their knowledge in practical ways, making their learning experience both relevant and meaningful. With each project, the children are encouraged to develop their designing and evaluating skills, as well as develop their technical skills through making different products. The six essential areas of Design and Technology: user, purpose, innovation, authenticity, functionality and design decisions are considered by teachers when planning and delivering lessons.
Design and Technology at Bryn Offa is integrated with other subjects such as science, mathematics, computing, PSHCE and art. This cross-curricular approach helps students see the connections between different areas of learning and understand the broader context of their work. It also enhances their overall educational experience by providing a more holistic understanding of the world around them. Each year, one of the three projects taught focus on food technology. Within KS1, children begin to learn how ingredients are grown, caught or reared. They then use this knowledge in their cookery projects. Within KS2, emphasis is placed on nutrition, providing a link to our PSHCE curriculum.
Students have access to a variety of tools and resources, including CRUMBLE and digital design software. This exposure to modern technology helps them develop the skills needed for the future and keeps them engaged and motivated. Our curriculum is enriched further by a sewing club, educational trips (such as to Xplore! Science Discovery Centre) and through our strong links with Marches Secondary School, where the Year 5 pupils take part in a STEM day yearly.
Assessment is an integral part of our implementation strategy. We use a variety of assessment methods, including project evaluations, peer reviews, and self-assessments, to monitor student progress and provide constructive feedback. This continuous assessment helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement, guiding their learning journey.
Our teachers receive ongoing professional development to stay updated with the latest advancements in design and technology education. This ensures that they are well-equipped to deliver high-quality instruction and support to our students.
We are committed to providing an inclusive education that meets the needs of all students. Differentiated instruction and support are provided to ensure that every student, regardless of their background or abilities, can succeed in Design and Technology.

By implementing our Design and Technology curriculum in this way, Bryn Offa aims to develop students who are not only skilled and knowledgeable but also creative, innovative, and prepared to face the challenges of the future with confidence.

Impact

Bryn Offa’s broad and engaging Design and Technology curriculum encourages and enables children to become creative, critical thinkers and problem solvers. It equips them to be enthusiastic and confident Design and Technology learners, with the knowledge, vocabulary and skills, which are vital to the worlds and their own future prosperity. Our children become resourceful, innovative and collaborative learners, who combine their practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues as well as industrial practices. They are prepared with the essential skills for success in Design and Technology at secondary school and to become the next generation of inventors, engineers, designers, and tradespeople.

The impact of our Design and Technology curriculum allows children to make outstanding progress throughout their time in Bryn Offa, relative to their individual starting points and specific learning needs. All children develop their designing, making and evaluating skills with each project, whilst making links to previous knowledge and skills. This is evidenced through: pupil voice, children’s work, staff discussions, book monitoring, lesson observations and staff and pupils’ enjoyment for Design and Technology. All of this evidence is gathered and analysed to allow the curriculum, planning and the School Development Plan to be adjusted as needed.

Useful Websites

Here are some useful websites for you to support your child's Design and Technology learning at home:

Exploratorium: This site offers an idea library with various models and projects that can be made at home, encouraging hands-on learning and creativity. https://www.exploratorium.edu/pie/ideas.html#page
Food - A Fact of Life: This website provides a wealth of information on food technology, including recipes and nutritional information, making it a great resource for cooking and nutrition projects. http://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/
How Stuff Works: This site explains how various things work, offering a range of articles and videos that can help children understand the principles behind different technologies and designs http://www.howstuffworks.com
LEGO Let's Build Together: LEGO offers a collection of activities that parents and children can do together, promoting creativity and problem-solving skills through building projects. https://www.lego.com/en-gb/themes/letsbuildtogether/365-activities