Intent 

At Farsley Springbank, we intend to plan and deliver a Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum that ignites creativity and inspires children to use their imagination and innovation to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. Our curriculum is shaped by our six drivers — Independence, Determination, Curiosity, Risk-Taking, Collaboration and Respect — which bring our school values of being Courageous, Kind and Curious to life.

In each D&T project, children are presented with a design brief that challenges them to consider the needs of the user and the purpose of the product, solve problems with determination and draw upon knowledge and skills acquired in previous learning and across the curriculum — including mathematics, science, computing and art — so that they can make informed design decisions. Children are encouraged to be independent thinkers, taking ownership of their design process and to approach challenges with courage and curiosity, experimenting with materials and techniques in safe supportive ways.

Our D&T curriculum is carefully designed to build on prior knowledge and practical skills, helping children develop confidence in taking risks, learning from mistakes and refining their ideas. Through hands-on projects, they develop collaboration skills by working together and using their individual strengths to support one another. They show respect for resources they are using in class, for the wider world of design and for the designs and work of others.

Children are introduced to past and current designers who have helped shape society. This gives children a deeper understanding of the skills and traits required to be a successful designer, encourages curiosity and aspiration and inspires potential future careers in the field of Design and Technology.

As a school, and in accordance with the National Curriculum’s expectations, we aim to ensure that all pupils:

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
• critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

Implementation

Our Design and Technology curriculum gives children regular opportunities to apply their design skills to solve real and relevant problems through engaging and meaningful projects. Each year group has a D&T topic every term, carefully sequenced to build on prior knowledge and skills. Early learning in EYFS establishes a foundation of D&T skills which are developed and expanded throughout the key stages, ensuring children can retrieve and apply prior learning effectively.

Units of learning have been designed with reference to ‘Projects on a Page’ from the Design and Technology Association to ensure coverage of all curriculum strands in each key stage. Children learn technical knowledge in areas including structures, mechanical systems, textiles, electrical systems, food and nutrition and the use of computing and programming in design.

Design and Technology long term plan

Design and Technology learning journeys

Here are some examples of our Design and Technology learning journeys.