DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AT BOURNEHALL
VALUE STATEMENT
At Bournehall Primary School we value design and technology because it:
- prepares children to deal with tomorrow’s rapidly changing world
- encourages curiosity, creativity and imagination
- is about solving real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering the needs, wants and values of oneself and others
- fosters independent, creative problem solving and thinking, both individually and as part of a team
- develops critical understanding of the impact of technology on our daily life and the wider world
- provides a framework for deep learning
- develops skills that will enable children to become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.
- teaches children to reflect on and evaluate design and technology in history and in the modern world – and to consider those that might shape the future
- combines practical skills with the application and transference of knowledge and understanding from across the curriculum
- unlocks the potential of the designers and innovators of the future
A TECHNOLOGIST HAS:
- a significant level of originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes.
- an excellent attitude to learning and independent working.
- the ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
- the ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
- the ability to act as a responsible designer and maker, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
- a thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
- the ability to apply mathematical knowledge.
- the ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.
- a passion for the subject and knowledge of, up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.
(Chris Quigley – Essentials Curriculum)
DELIVERY of our Design and Technology curriculum
At Bournehall, we use the KAPOW Design and Technology, and Art and Design combined Scheme of Work. The scheme meets the National Curriculum aims for Design and Technology through the following 4 strands:
- Design
- Make
- Evaluate
- Technical knowledge
These strands are encompassed with the Essentials Curriculum Thresholds Concepts of:
- Master practical skills
- Design, make, evaluate and improve
- Take inspiration from design throughout history
Using the Essential Curriculum Threshold Concepts provides the big ideas that underpin the subject. The skills needed to make high quality products are developed and taught through food, materials, textiles, electricals and electronics, computing, construction and mechanics. The scheme ensures that skills are revisited and taught progressively throughout the year groups. It is taught for one hour per week, alternating with Art and Design every other half term.
Some key areas appear less frequently than others, for example Textiles. The National Curriculum states
that working with textiles is only a small element of the 'Make' strand and many of the making techniques covered in our Textiles units are also covered with a range of materials in other units, such as the use of templates, modelling, measuring and marking out, cutting, shaping and joining.
CONDITIONS FOR LEARNING
- Children tell us that they enjoy design and technology and learn best when they:
- carry out their own research of products
- understand the big picture and small steps
- show what they have learned in different ways
- see and learn technical words
- can choose from many different resources
- see how technology is used in the real world
- ask their own questions
- share their learning with others
