DT at Junction Farm

Curriculum Intent:

Here at Junction Farm Primary School Design Technology to be taught in all year groups through one unit per term. Design Technology projects are often made cross curricular – linking to other subjects taught.

The Design Technology Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum 2014 guidance:

  • Products are to be made for a purpose.
  • Individuality should be ensured in children’s design and construction of products.
  • Delivery of the two strands: Designing, Making and Cooking and Nutrition.
  • More emphasis to be given on creating ‘innovative’ products in KS2.
  • Teaching the importance of evaluating and making improvements during making stages.
  • Looking into seasonality of ingredients and how they are grown, caught or reared.
  • The introduction of computing and coding of products in KS2.
  • Researching key events and individual designers in the History of Technology in KS2.

Aims

The national curriculum for Design and Technology aims to ensure that all pupils:

  • develop the creative, technical, and practical expertise need 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.

Curriculum Implementation

The teaching of Design Technology across the school follows the National Curriculum and is inspired by Design and Technology Association’s ‘Projects On A Page’ documents. The Design Technology Curriculum at Junction Farm is made up of components of design, make, technical knowledge and evaluate through the use of our ‘Progression of Knowledge’ document (see below) and the sequencing of Learning Journeys for each topic (see below). This ensures progression for all and achievement in the planned end points.

Children design products with a purpose in mind and an intended user of the products. Food technology is implemented across the school with children developing an understanding of where food comes from, the importance of a varied and healthy diet and how to prepare this. Units are sequenced to ensure coverage and progression of skills. Each unit allows consolidation of previous learning and children are encouraged to make links between present learning and previous knowledge.

Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning and it is for this reason that as a school we are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum; through well planned, resourced projects and experiences.

Pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. It is very cross – curricular and draws upon subject knowledge and skills within Mathematics, Science, History, Computing and Art. Through the evaluation of past and present technology they can reflect upon the impact of Design Technology on everyday life and the wider world. Additional enriched opportunities offered to the children through, educational visits, specialist workshop such as STEM workshops and We Build Lego expert.

Curriculum Impact

Through the Junction Farm Design Technology Curriculum and learning opportunities we offer, pupils will be able to know more and remember more. Our hope is for children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, resilient, 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 make an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

MORE INFORMATION

How can parents assist with this subject?

Ideas of how you can help your child develop their DT learning and skills:

Work together to make projects at home. This could be with a variety of materials of could simply be during play. Design and make products together.
Try cooking together or creating a dish together. You could make savoury or sweet dishes e.g. sandwiches, soups, deserts, cakes etc. You could also link to their learning about the world and try creating dishes from around the world.

  • Encourage creativity whenever your child is making something. Follow their interests and see what their imagination creates.
  • Remind your child about health and safety measures when participating in DT e.g. when you cook, or if you construct something together.
  • Encourage your child to evaluate their creations. Talk together about what is great about their products and what could they do to make them even better.
  • Use topic themes and home learning opportunities to investigate how materials are suitable for different purposes.
  • Encourage your child to be resourceful in their choice of methods and materials.

DT Home Learning Challenges

Extra activities to try at home…

  • Junk modelling – create a model of an NHS emergency vehicle using recyclable materials.
  • Help an adult with some DIY around the house.
  • Design and make a bird house.
  • Make a card for a friend or family member including a lever.
  • https://www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk/engineering-at-home  – Follow instructions with useful diagrams to undertake engineering projects at home. There are challenges at the end of the tasks to develop your skills further, testing out your designs and models.
     

Have a go at some of these delicious recipes!

Useful websites: