Intent

At Westfield Primary School, our DT curriculum is designed to inspire pupils to become innovative and creative thinkers with a strong understanding go the product design cycle, including ideation, creation and evaluation.

We encourage children to take creative risks by drafting design concepts, modelling and testing their ideas, while developing the confidence to reflect on an improve their own work and that of others. Through this hands – on , engaging approach, our pupils grow into reflective learners who value feedback and continuous improvement.

Our aim is to build awareness of the impact of design and technology in the world around us and to nurture resourceful, enterprising individuals who are equipped with the skills to contribute to future design advancements.

Implementation

At Westfield, we use Kapow scheme of work to guide our DT lessons from years 1-6, ensuring a structured progression throughout. DT is taught for 1 hour a week in all key stages every half term alternating with Art. Our long term plan highlights key concepts and skills suitable for each year group. We utilise diverse teaching methods including modelling, collaborative activities and engaging stimuli to help tailor to all learners. Children are encouraged to use their knowledge of DT to create models and engage in other subject areas with cross curricular ties. We regularly use summative assessments to monitor progress, ensuring that knowledge builds systematically over time.

Impact

Pupils develop a solid understanding of key concepts such as understanding how DT impacts our society, environment and everyday lives. Our assessments and final makes highlight significant individual progress, for instance the children in year 4 have created some incredible Anglo Saxon model villages using recycled materials. One pupil stating ‘I loved creating and designing my model village and using a variety of materials’

The children’s enthusiasm shines through in their work, with projects showcasing attention to detail, creative designs and the pupils huge pride in their makes. This supportive learning environment equips our students with critical thinking, problem solving and practical skills needed to thrive in an ever changing world.

Our Art & Design Subject leader is Mrs Freemantle who oversees the curriculum and ensures staff training.

This is Mrs Freemantle’s first experience of leading Art & DT, but she is really enjoying having this opportunity.

Over the past year we have worked closely with HfL to ensure that our Design & Technology curriculum meets the needs of our children and because of these meetings we are now using Kapow to guide our learning.