D&T Subject Leader: Miss Steadman

Curriculum Aims:

At Gade Valley we follow the ‘Design, Make, Evaluate’ approach to the teaching of D&T, as outlined in the National Curriculum. We intend to provide all pupils with plenty of opportunities throughout each key-stage to develop the technical skills of construction, mechanisms, textiles and cooking and nutrition through an engaging and practical curriculum.

In addition, the school aims to develop the pupils use and understanding of technical vocabulary associated with this subject. This is so that the pupils can articulate the skills that they have applied, the equipment that they have used and describe the materials and features of the product that they have made.

We aim to carefully monitor and evaluate progress through the use of a bespoke skills and knowledge progression map for each year group. This map will be used for planning and assessment to ensure that pupils are acquiring the appropriate D&T skills and knowledge.
It is the intended impact of our D&T curriculum that the pupils are inspired and want to learn more. We hope that the pupils will use their D&T skills in everyday life and be able to reflect upon what they have learnt throughout the year.

How we teach DT:

Each class teaches at least one D&T topic per term and pupils are encouraged to be consistently reflective and experimental throughout their learning. When designing their product, pupils will research and refine their ideas through detailed designs and prototypes. During the making process, teachers model technical skills and highlight good practice and safety skills. Finally, in the evaluation stage pupils will be considering what worked effectively and how they can improve the impact of the overall appearance and usability of their product.

In addition to the regularly taught design and technology lessons, pupils learn the technical knowledge relevant to each topic and they are taught the specific vocabulary associated with that unit of work.

All D&T lessons include the Gade Valley Principles of Teaching and Learning, which are a set of non-negotiables for each lesson, for example,  AFL techniques will regularly inform teaching and learning. Throughout D&T lessons, pupils are also encouraged to develop their core skills of literacy and maths. In the Early Years, D&T opportunities are provided throughout expressive arts and design activities during daily busy fingers and child-initiated learning sessions.

Key Information for 2024/2025:

• When talking to pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2, they expressed their enjoyment at taking part in DT lessons, particularly the practical sessions. They felt supported and encouraged by their teachers and understood how the feedback they are were given moved their learning forward.
• Learning reviews showed the development of the D&T skills and knowledge criteria through pupil booklets.  The booklets have also showed that pupil's are using their CHAMP skills within lessons.
• In the 2023/2024 academic year, the majority of pupils achieved age related expectations or above.