Design and Technology is an inspirational and practical subject that is becoming increasingly technical, incorporating mathematics, science and computing with creativity. It is about making things that appeal to others and work well.
At Elmhurst, Design and Technology encourages children to become autonomous and creative problem-solvers by identifying needs and responding by designing and developing ideas and eventually making products. Pupils combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as functions and industrial practices. This allows them to reflect on and evaluate present and past design and technology, its uses and its impacts.
We ensure that Design and Technology links directly to the topics being taught allowing the children to have a proper sense of purpose; learning always becomes more meaningful when set in a tangible context. Lessons are exciting, inventive and engaging. We give children the opportunity to work both on their own and to collaborate with others, listening to other children’s ideas respectfully. Children critically evaluate existing products, their own work and that of others. They have the opportunity to exploring different techniques and developing essential skills in manipulating and securing various materials including paper, woodwork, food, textiles, electrical components and computing software.
At Elmhurst, we ensure that children can apply their knowledge and understanding when developing and researching ideas, designing and making products and finally evaluating them. We promote an iterative approach to design so that children are in control of their decision making in creating their final outcomes. From making free standing structures and hand puppets in Year One to moon buggies and burglar alarms further up the school, our pupils are always engaged in designing and creating high quality products with a wide range of materials and specialist equipment.
We plan the activities in design and technology so that they build upon the prior learning of the children. We give children of all abilities the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding and we also build planned progression into the scheme of work, so that the children are increasingly challenged as they move through the school.
When teachers deliver the DT curriculum, they plan inclusive lessons taking into account of needs of the class and ensure that children with SEN are able to participate in lessons with adult support. Often, these children are allowed to extend their learning out of class with their appropriate adult, to practise the skills in within the unit such as sawing, sewing, sticking to create individualised outcomes, as specified in their learning plans.
Pupils record ideas, designs and skills in their book, which are then used to track the progress and record the achievements of pupil’s experiences in design and technology.
At Elmhurst, we encourage teachers to develop their understanding in design and technology and give them opportunities to attend training that inform their units directly. We also have a DT consultant, Martin Chandler, to team teach units when required, to ensure that delivery is individually tailored to link to their topic and the learning taking place is deep and meaningful.
We are always looking to further enrich our Design and Technology curriculum and welcome workshops and experts with specialist knowledge and skills, including architects, designers and artists, to come work with us to educate and inspire our pupils.
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