Subject Leaders - Mrs Leng & Mrs Newell

 

Intent

By using creativity and imagination, St Paul’s pupils will 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 will acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils will learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable learners. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they will develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world and understand that their high-quality education will enable them to make an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation in the future.

 

Implementation

Through St Paul’s Design and Technology curriculum we aim to ensure that all our 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 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.

In Key Stage 1, children will learn about mechanisms including levers, sliders, wheels and axels, free standing structures, textiles, cooking and nutrition through fun and engaging lessons.  These will be linked where possible to our themed curriculum areas.

 

In Lower Key Stage 2, the skills taught in years 1 and 2 are built upon and extended through learning in mechanical and electrical systems, a product will be created in textiles and computer aided design will assist in their structures studies.  The children will expand on their cooking techniques, applying the principles of a healthy and varied diet, to make a range of predominately savoury dishes.

 

In Upper Key Stage 2, more complex equipment is used in mechanical and electrical systems that includes programming, control and monitoring.  Again, textiles uses computer aided learning and more technical frame structures are studied.  The children will now begin to understand seasonality and know where and how a variety of ingredients are grown, reared, caught and processed in their food studies.

 

Impact

We believe our DT curriculum is ambitious; a solid foundation for future learning and eventually employment.  It will excite, stretch and motivate all our learners.  Our children will leave us with an ignited curiosity and passion for learning in this area and the STEM subjects as they continue their onward journey into Secondary Education and beyond.  As a result of the skills and critical thinking acquired at St Paul’s, your child will go on to become a citizen of the future who can fully contribute to society and lead a happy and successful life.