Intent and Implementation Design & Technology

2023-2024

Intent

Design and technology embodies some of the highest forms of human creativity and expression. At Orchard Fields, we aim to provide a high-quality education that exposes children to design & technology concepts which engage, inspire and challenge pupils, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and develop their own ideas. To observe and record from first-hand experience and imagination, develop competence in controlling materials and tools and become proficient in a variety of design techniques and processes. They are taught how design and technology techniques, knowledge, skills and understanding can both reflect and shape our history and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. We also strive to highlight potential career pathways and uses of these skills in daily life. As pupils progress, they are encouraged to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of the skills required to achieve their full potential in the subject and to incorporate them across the curriculum.

Implementation

In ensuring high standards of teaching and learning in design & technology, we implement a curriculum that is progressive throughout the whole school. Design & Technology is taught as part of our topic work, focusing on knowledge and skills stated in the National Curriculum, with opportunities taken to incorporate the subject into both core and foundation subjects wherever possible. At Orchard Fields, we ensure that design & technology is given appropriate importance within the curriculum, as we feel this is important in enabling all children to gain ‘real-life’ experiences. Consideration is given to how learners will be supported in line with the school’s commitment to inclusion through differentiated tasks, questioning and activities across all abilities, alongside the promotion and use of an accurate and rich design-based vocabulary. Cross curricular outcomes in design & technology are specifically planned for, with strong links between maths and literacy lessons identified, planned for and utilised with opportunities for learning outside the classroom included whenever possible, such as educational visits, forest school, competitions and after school clubs and activities.