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Design and Technology

Intent

Our intent for teaching Design and Technology (D&T) in a primary school with mixed-age classes, using the Cornerstones curriculum, is to provide a stimulating and inclusive learning experience that inspires creativity, develops practical skills, and encourages innovative thinking. We aim to:

  • Foster Creativity: We encourage pupils to explore their creativity and develop original solutions to design challenges.

  • Build Practical Skills: We equip pupils with essential skills in designing, making, and evaluating products, while ensuring safe and effective use of tools and materials.

  • Promote Problem-Solving: We provide opportunities for pupils to engage in real-world problem-solving, making connections between their designs and their impact on everyday life.

  • Ensure Inclusivity: We create a learning environment where pupils of all ages and abilities can participate fully and develop their potential.

Implementation

Our D&T curriculum is structured around the Cornerstones framework, which includes the phases Engage, Develop, Innovate, and Express. This approach ensures a comprehensive and age-appropriate learning experience for our mixed-age classes.

  1. Engage:

    • Immersive Introductions: Pupils are introduced to design and technology through engaging and relevant contexts. This might include exploring existing products, field trips, or guest speakers, tailored to capture the interest of various age groups.

    • Stimulating Activities: Activities are designed to intrigue and inspire pupils, with content and challenges adapted to be age-appropriate yet stimulating for all learners in the mixed-age setting.

  2. Develop:

    • Skill Development: Pupils build on their initial ideas by developing practical skills through structured lessons and hands-on activities. Projects are differentiated to match the developmental stages and abilities of different age groups.

    • Collaborative Work: Emphasis is placed on collaborative learning, with opportunities for older pupils to support and mentor younger peers, promoting a supportive and integrated classroom environment.

  3. Innovate:

    • Creative Challenges: Pupils apply their skills to tackle design challenges that encourage innovation and experimentation. Projects are designed to be open-ended, allowing for diverse solutions and fostering a spirit of creativity.

    • Real-World Connections: Challenges are linked to real-world problems or scenarios, helping pupils see the relevance of their work and motivating them to think critically and creatively.

  4. Express:

    • Presentation and Reflection: Pupils present their designs and reflect on their learning journey. This phase includes evaluating their own work and providing feedback to peers, which helps develop their evaluative and communication skills.

    • Celebration of Achievements: We celebrate the successes and progress of pupils through exhibitions, showcases, or presentations, reinforcing their confidence and sense of achievement.

Impact

The implementation of the Cornerstones framework in our D&T curriculum leads to significant outcomes for our pupils:

  • Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: Pupils demonstrate increased creativity and the ability to generate innovative solutions to design problems.

  • Developed Practical Skills: Pupils acquire and refine practical skills related to designing, making, and evaluating, evidenced by their successful completion of projects.

  • Increased Engagement and Motivation: The engaging and relevant nature of the curriculum fosters a high level of pupil engagement and motivation.

  • Improved Collaboration and Communication: Working in mixed-age groups enhances pupils' ability to collaborate and communicate effectively, with older pupils taking on leadership roles and younger pupils gaining confidence.

  • Real-World Relevance: Pupils are able to connect their learning to real-world contexts, making their work meaningful and applicable.

End-of-unit assessments enable staff to gauge pupils’ progress and plan for further learning and mastery.

By following the Engage, Develop, Innovate, and Express phases of the Cornerstones curriculum, we ensure that our Design and Technology programme is not only educational but also inspiring, inclusive, and impactful, preparing pupils for future challenges and opportunities in a rapidly evolving world.