Intent:

At Woodvale, our vision is 'everyone thriving' and our Design and Technology curriculum aims to foster our three curriculum drivers: developing oracy, embracing cultural richness, and nurturing social intelligence. At the heart of our approach is a belief that Design and Technology is not simply about making products; our intent for DT is that children will:-

• develop the knowledge, skills and creativity needed to become innovative designers, engineers and problem-solvers
• design purposeful products that meet the needs of a user or solve a real-world problem
• develop practical skills across cooking and nutrition, structures, textiles, mechanisms and electrical systems
• understand how design, technology and engineering shape the world around them
• learn to evaluate, refine and improve their ideas through a cyclical design process
• become resilient learners who are willing to take risks, learn from mistakes and adapt their designs

Oracy is a fundamental driver in our curriculum. Through Design and Technology, children are encouraged to explain their ideas, discuss design choices and justify decisions throughout the design process. Pupils develop an increasingly sophisticated technical vocabulary which enables them to communicate their thinking clearly when designing, making and evaluating products. Collaborative discussion and evaluation allow children to articulate their ideas with confidence whilst learning from the perspectives of others.

Diversity is another of our curriculum drivers. Design and Technology enables children to explore products, food, inventions and innovations from different cultures and time periods. Through projects such as cooking, textiles and product design, pupils gain an understanding of how culture, geography and technological advances influence the products we use every day. This helps children appreciate the contributions of different people and societies and broadens their understanding of the world around them.

Social intelligence is a key focus within our DT curriculum. Designing for users encourages children to think about the needs, preferences and experiences of others. Pupils learn to work collaboratively, solve problems together, give and receive feedback and refine ideas through discussion and evaluation. Through this process, they develop empathy, resilience, teamwork and the confidence to respond positively to challenge.

Implementation:

At Woodvale, Design and Technology is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum which enables pupils to progressively build technical knowledge, practical skills and understanding from EYFS to Year 6. Learning is structured around the design process of designing, making and evaluating, ensuring children develop both creativity and technical capability whilst solving real and relevant problems.

There are several features that run throughout all of our DT teaching:-

Designing with purpose

Children are taught to design products for a specific audience, purpose or need. They investigate existing products, generate ideas, develop design criteria and communicate their plans through drawings, models and annotations before creating their final outcomes.

Making and developing technical skills

Pupils progressively develop practical skills across the key areas of:

• Cooking and Nutrition
• Structures
• Mechanisms
• Electrical Systems
• Textiles

Children learn how to select and use appropriate tools, equipment and materials safely, accurately and effectively whilst developing increasing independence.

Evaluating and improving

Evaluation is an integral part of the design process. Children test, evaluate and refine products against design criteria, considering both strengths and areas for development. They learn that successful design often involves adapting ideas, overcoming challenges and learning from mistakes.

Real-world learning

Throughout the curriculum, children explore how products are designed for users and how technology influences everyday life. They investigate existing products, consider the work of designers, engineers and inventors and develop an understanding of how design can solve problems and improve people's lives.

Cooking and Nutrition

Children develop essential life skills through food technology. They learn about healthy eating, balanced diets, food provenance, seasonality, food preparation and hygiene. As they move through the school, pupils develop an understanding of nutrition and the importance of making informed choices about food.

Technical vocabulary

Across all areas of DT, children are taught and encouraged to use increasingly sophisticated technical vocabulary. This enables pupils to discuss, explain and evaluate their ideas with confidence and precision.

Our curriculum provides opportunities for children to apply knowledge from mathematics, science, computing and art whilst engaging in meaningful, hands-on learning that develops creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills.

Impact:

We will know that the intent of our Design and Technology curriculum is successful through:-

• our children demonstrating creativity, curiosity and confidence when solving design problems
• our children applying practical skills safely and effectively across a range of contexts
• our children designing purposeful products which meet identified needs and design criteria
• our children evaluating, adapting and improving their work with increasing independence
• our children using appropriate technical vocabulary to explain, discuss and justify their ideas
• our children understanding the importance of nutrition, healthy eating and food preparation
• our children showing resilience, perseverance and pride throughout the design, make and evaluate process
• our children making meaningful links between DT and other curriculum subjects
• our children understanding how design and technology shape the modern world and improve everyday life
• our children enjoying DT and developing the confidence to become innovative thinkers and problem-solvers

Through Design and Technology, our children leave Woodvale as creative thinkers who can design with purpose, evaluate critically and apply practical skills confidently. They are equipped with the knowledge, resilience and problem-solving abilities needed to thrive in an increasingly technological world.