Design and Technology

What is our Intent statement?

At Hadlow Primary School, we are committed to providing a dynamic and engaging Design and Technology curriculum through the Kapow scheme. Our intent is to inspire creativity, innovation, and critical thinking in our students, fostering a lifelong passion for design and technology.

We aim to equip our pupils with the essential skills and knowledge to understand the world around them and to make informed decisions in their daily lives. By incorporating the principles of the Design and Technology National Curriculum, we will guide our students through a process of exploration, experimentation, and evaluation, encouraging them to pursue excellence in their projects.

Our curriculum will focus on the following key areas:

Creativity and Innovation: Students will be encouraged to think outside the box and develop original ideas, using a variety of materials and tools.

Problem-Solving Skills: Through hands-on projects, students will learn to identify problems, mind-map and discuss solutions, and create prototypes, thereby enhancing their critical thinking abilities.

Technical Skills: We will provide opportunities for students to develop practical skills in design, making, and evaluating, ensuring they are confident in using tools and techniques safely and effectively.

Collaboration and Communication: Design and Technology projects will foster teamwork, as students work together to share ideas and refine their designs, promoting essential interpersonal skills.

Connection to Daily Life: We will help students understand how design and technology impact their everyday lives, empowering them to apply the skills they learn to real-world situations, from sustainability to technology use.

By integrating these pursuits of excellence into our teaching, we aim to create a culture of curiosity and innovation, where every student feels valued and inspired to explore their potential in Design and Technology. Through the Kapow scheme, we will provide a well-rounded, inclusive, and enjoyable learning experience that prepares our students for future challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

"Design and Technology is really fun. It helps me learn a skill I can use in everyday life. I love problem solving." - Joe Worsell, Year 6

How is DT implemented at Hadlow?

At Hadlow Primary School, Design and Technology is taught three times yearly, utilizing the Kapow scheme to deliver a comprehensive and inclusive curriculum. Our approach ensures that all students, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), have access to high-quality resources and learning experiences.

Each term, students engage in a carefully planned Design and Technology unit that aligns with the Kapow framework. Lessons are designed to be sequential, building on prior knowledge while introducing new concepts and skills. We provide a wide range of resources and materials that cater to different learning styles and needs. Visual aids, hands-on tools, and technology are accessible to all students, ensuring they can fully participate in projects.

Our teaching strategies are tailored to each learning cohort. Students work in pairs or small groups, promoting teamwork and communication. This collaborative approach encourages peer support, enabling all learners to contribute their strengths to the project while gaining from each other's insights.

Ongoing assessments inform our teaching, allowing us to monitor student progress and adapt our methods accordingly. Constructive feedback is provided to guide students in refining their designs and improving their skills.

Through this structured implementation of Design and Technology, we aim to foster a nurturing environment where every student can explore their creativity, develop practical skills, and gain confidence in their abilities. By leveraging the Kapow scheme and ensuring resources are accessible to all, we create an inclusive learning experience that inspires a passion for design and technology in every child.

The national curriculum required pupils to:

Children learn art and design throughout their whole primary school education. We support children to explore and enjoy creativity in key stage 1 by:

Reception:

Use a variety of materials to create simple models and structures, such as towers, bridges, and vehicles.

Use simple tools, such as scissors and glue, to join materials together.

Explore the properties of materials, such as texture, colour, and shape.

Year 1:

Develop skills in cutting, joining, and shaping materials, such as paper, card, and fabric.

Explore the purpose and function of simple products, such as toys and packaging.

Begin to understand the importance of health and safety when using tools and equipment.

Year 2:

Use a wider range of tools and equipment, such as saws and drills, to create more complex structures and mechanisms.

Investigate the properties of materials, such as strength, durability, and flexibility.

Explore the design process, including brainstorming, sketching, and prototyping.

Within Key stage 2 we intend pupils to experience a variety of creative and practical activities. Pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. They work in a range of relevant contexts that will link to their personal experiences, but also broaden their experiences with new and exciting Medias. When designing and making in Key stage 2, pupils should be taught to:

Year 3:

Develop knowledge of different mechanisms and their functions, such as levers, pulleys, and gears.

Use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create simple 2D designs.

Investigate the impact of design decisions on the environment and society.

Year 4:

Develop skills in using programmable components, such as microcontrollers and sensors, to create interactive products.

Use CAD software to create 3D designs and models.

Investigate the properties and uses of different materials, such as metals, plastics, and composites.

Year 5:

Explore the principles of electrical circuits and their applications in design.

Investigate the properties and uses of smart materials, such as shape-memory alloys and conductive fabrics.

Develop skills in project management, including planning, resourcing, and evaluation.

Year 6:

Use design briefs to develop complex products and systems, such as mechanical toys and electronic games.

Explore the principles of coding and programming to control and automate products.

Investigate the use of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes in design.

Overall, this progression document for design and technology aims to provide a progressive and coherent curriculum for students, where each year group builds upon the knowledge, skills, and understanding gained in previous years.

Cooking is also a great part of the design and technology curriculum. 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