Design Technology
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering and art. 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.
At Westerton Primary Academy, we believe that a broad and balanced Design and Technology education is the entitlement of all children.
At Westerton Primary Academy, the teaching and learning of the Design and Technology curriculum will;
Encourage a life-long love of learning and be delivered by staff who are passionate about the subject.
Be underpinned by knowledge-rich learning that builds year on year.
Give all children the opportunity to study a breadth of skills.
Include ambitious content, concepts and vocabulary
We also;
Provide opportunities for children to experience designing, making and modifying.
Provide children with the opportunities to evaluate products created by others to help inform their own ideas.
Enable children to work in a variety of appropriate contexts (home, school, community, recreation, business and industry) using a wide variety of materials and components including textiles, food, construction materials, manipulative materials and electrical and mechanical components.
Promote positive attitudes towards, and enthusiasm for, Design and Technology work in school.
Encourage children to have high yet achievable expectations of their own products and produce outcomes of high quality.
Encourage a conscientious attitude to safety through using correct procedures when using tools and equipment.
Develop children’s design and making capability through practical activities where children are encouraged to discuss and analyse their work, justifying ideas, materials used, techniques and propose modifications/ improvements.
Enable the children to identify and use, where appropriate, knowledge and skills from other areas of the curriculum such as Maths, English, Science, Art and I.C.T when designing and constructing their product.
Children at Westerton Primary Academy also have the opportunity to learn beyond the National Curriculum. Children visit Ledston Estate in Key Stage 1 and Dalby Forest in Key Stage 2; this allows children to use their Design and Technology knowledge in a different, real life context. There are also different extra-curricular clubs, including knitting, and yearly enterprise opportunities. A particular highlight of the Westerton Primary Academy calendar is the annual MasterChef competition, where the participants have the opportunity to make their own signature dish before presenting it to the judges!
