Intent
Our engaging and rigorous Design and Technology curriculum aims to inspire pupils to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. It supports pupils in becoming creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as members of a wider team, that apply their learning to a range of design contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Through critical reflection and evaluation of existing and past products, they develop an understanding of design and technology's impact on our daily life and the wider world and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers.
Where relevant, we aim to make suitable and contextual links to other subject areas and disciplines. For example, pupils will apply a range of computing skills to develop Computer Aided Designs in Upper Key Stage 2.
Implementation
Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the iterative process of designing, making and evaluating. In each unit of learning, pupils are taught to apply the technical knowledge they have developed to design and create products that consider audience, function and purpose and which are relevant to a range of real-world contexts, such as the home, school, and leisure. New for January 2025, classes will receive correspondence from a fictional member of the school community with a design and technology problem that requires a solution. This is designed to place a focus on the concept of design criteria and provide their learning with a more engaging context.
In response to this, pupils will:
Design by:
Make by:
and Evaluate by:
Key technical knowledge and skills for discrete domains within Design and Technology (mechanisms, textiles, structures, electrical systems and cooking & nutrition) are carefully planned to ensure that pupils have acquired the desired outcomes by the end of Year 6, preparing them well for Key Stage 3.
Curriculum Progression
At Riversdale Primary School we believe in the importance of all children developing a deep understanding of Design and Technology and in embedding the substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills into their long-term memory. As such, the progression for the subject has been carefully mapped, with a consideration to connected subject matter and opportunities to revisit specific concepts over time. The context for the pupils' work is also well considered to ensure that learning takes place within a real-world setting, giving their design, make and evaluate process meaning.
You can find a copy of the 2024-25 Design and Technology Progression Document here.
Lesson Delivery
All children are taught by their class teacher, in dedicated lessons that take place fortnightly (alternating with computing). We structure the timetable in such a way as to ensure pupils are building on knowledge and skills throughout the year, rather than in blocks, and use retrieval practices to move knowledge from pupils’ working memory to their long-term memory. Pupils are given the opportunity to explore a varied range of design technology domains each falling within the designing, making and evaluation process.
Pupils are provided with a Knowledge Organiser that:
You can find the 2024-25 Knowledge Organisers for Design and Technology below:
Autumn Term:
Spring Term:
Curriculum Policies
Please find our Design and Technology policy below:
Here's a quick link to some useful information for parents and carers, including home learning apps and the school's communication app.
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