DT at Plumpton Primary School
Intent
At Plumpton Primary School, our intent for the Design and Technology (DT) curriculum is that children will have a clear understanding of the complete DT process from analysing existing products to designing, making and evaluating their own products. Each unit will have a clear, real-life purpose with an increasing focus on sustainability and adaptability.
Implementation
Every term, all pupils learn through our whole school Discover, Explore and Create projects. This approach provides a deeper understanding and supports of the embedding of the learning.
In the Spring Terms 3 and 4 our focus is the Explore part of our curriculum which provides an opportunity for a focus on Design and Technology. Their project allows the children to undertake the full DT process.
Analysing existing products
In this initial stage, all children will look at existing products on the market and consider their appeal and purpose.
Designing
This aspect of the process is where all children will have the opportunity to design their own product. This will range from designing a product with a given specification in EYFS to creating their own specification and design in Year 6.
Making
Children learn to use a variety of tools, techniques and materials to bring their designs to life, adapting these as necessary. This work includes consideration of risk and hygiene to ensure children can work independently and achieve their goal safely.
Evaluating
A core part of the design and creation process is evaluation. Children are given opportunities and the language to evaluate products by looking at their effectiveness against the specification, testing them and suggesting ways they could be improved.
Impact
By teaching DT through the Explore project, the children are able to hone in on the skills required to undertake a successful DT unit which they build on as they journey through the school. By ensuring that each unit is purposeful, the children can see the importance and real-life uses of DT.
Pupil quotes show how this broad and creative curriculum has engaged them:
A Reception pupil, following a forest school fence building activity, stated:
‘I love hammering and making things, this is my best day ever!’
A Year 6 pupil particularly valued the connection with everyday life and being given autonomy over many of the choices they make.
‘I really like making 3D structures, I can make my own decisions. I like working outside and making things every day!’