D&T

“Design is everywhere. From the dress you’re wearing to the smartphone you are holding” Samadara Ginige (Designer and Developer)

Intent

At WJS, we believe that design and technology helps to prepare children for the developing world and encourages them to become curious and creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. Through the study of Design and Technology, they combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues. Design and technology helps all children to become discerning and informed consumers and potential innovators. It provides children with a greater awareness and understanding of how everyday products are designed and made.

Why is Design & Technology important?

Design and Technology is important at WJS because it builds core skills and expertise that can equip our pupils throughout their life and career. Design and Technology is an inspiring and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Pupils acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks and be innovative. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life in the wider world.

Implementation – How is our Design & Technology curriculum enriched at Westbury Junior School?

Design and Technology knowledge and skills are taught explicitly in dedicated blocks of time. Where appropriate, links are made to subjects such as science, art and maths. Project folders are made for pupils to refer back to, supporting them to revisit and revise their knowledge when designing, making and refining their work.

Impact – Ultimately our Design & Technology Curriculum is designed to:

– Improve our vocabulary through learning and using subject specific language when we explain our ideas and thinking. Knowing what D+T is.

– Promote a ‘Growth Mindset’ approach, where children learn from mistakes and build on what they evaluate has gone before.

– Celebrate diversity and inspiration through learning about the rich variation of lives and works of those people who make that difference. And think about how to make a difference to their society.

– Promote our health and wellbeing through learning about how to eat healthily in our food technology work.