Design and Technology

At Acre View Primary School Primary School, children are provided with a real-life context for DT learning. As an inspiring and practical subject, we prepare children to deal with an ever-changing technological world, encouraging them to become creative and resourceful problem-solvers, working both independently and as members of a team. We teach them to be inspired by real-world opportunities and relevant problems, identifying needs and developing a range of ideas and solutions in a variety of contexts.

DT is taught through the 'Learning Means the World' scheme.

Our design & technology lead is Mrs S Clarke

Intent - What are we trying to achieve?

At Acre View Primary School, children receive a design and technology curriculum which allows them to exercise and develop their creativity through designing and making. The children are taught to combine their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding in order to design and make a product.

Skills are taught progressively to ensure that all children are able to learn and practice in order to develop as they move through the school. Evaluation is an integral part of the design process and allows children to adapt and improve their product; this is a key skill which they will implement throughout their life. Design and Technology allows children to apply the knowledge and skills learned in other subjects across the curriculum, particularly Maths, Science and Art. Children's interests are captured through project design briefs, giving them purpose, motivation and meaning for their learning.

Implementation - How is our vision translated into practice?

We teach the National Curriculum, supported by clear skills and knowledge progression. This ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year on year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. DT is taught in a cross-curricular way through our Learning Means the World topics.

All teaching of DT follows the design, make, evaluate cycle. Each stage is rooted in technical knowledge. The design process is rooted in real-life. Relevant contexts give meaning to learning and provide a purpose for the project. While making, children are given the choice of a range of tools to select from. To evaluate, children are encouraged to evaluate their own products against a design criterion. Each of these steps are rooted in technical knowledge and vocabulary. DT is taught to a high standard, where each of the stages are given equal importance.

D&T Road Map - our learning journey

Impact - The Difference Our Curriculum Makes

By the time our pupils leave Acre View Primary School, they will have:

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 responsible designers and makers, 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 and scientific knowledge and skills accurately
The ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture products safely and hygienically.
A passion for the subject and a desire to explore their learning further in the future