Design & Technology Curriculum
(including Food Technology)

Intent

At Barley Lane, we aim to provide a wide range of learning experiences that help children to learn more, remember more and make connections across subjects.  The Design and Technology curriculum focuses on creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Children are taught direct skills and to draw on a range of subjects in order to take risks and develop a critical understanding of the impact on daily life and the wider world. Planning is adapted to reflect the diversity of the community that is served.

Implementation 

Teaching and learning in Design and Technology will:

• 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
• enable children to evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others
• enable children to understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

Children will be given the opportunity to work individually, in groups and as a whole class.  Each unit of work should include opportunities for children to design, make and evaluate.  Children will be guided into choosing appropriate materials and equipment and planning their own projects. 

By the end of each key stage pupils are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes specified in the relevant programme of study as stated within the National Curriculum.   In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Design and Technology forms part of the learning children acquire under the ‘Knowledge and Understanding of the World' branch of the Foundation Stage curriculum.

Planning lists the specific learning objectives, expected outcomes, methods of teaching, differentiation and the resources required within lessons. It also takes into account reinforcing prior learning or practicing specific skills as well as acquiring new knowledge and skills.  Challenging activities should also be planned for to ensure sufficient progression is made as the children move up through the school.

Work will be recorded in sketch books and will record the whole process from design to evaluation. Three-dimensional work can be displayed in the classroom and be photographed for the child’s book.

Food technology

Food technology is planned into the curriculum so that classes take part in a food technology lesson at least every half term. Children are taught how to cook simple recipes and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating. This is a crucial life skill and will enable children to be able to make healthy choices and to feed themselves well.

Impact

DT and Food Technology has a direct impact on the daily lives of our children and the wider world. Through high quality teaching and learning, children will be able to use their creativity and imagination to plan, design, make and evaluate a range of projects. It provides opportunities for our pupils to use their judgements of economic, social and technical impacts through creation and evaluation, pushing them to become mature and critical thinkers. They will have the confidence to take risks and be resourceful.  We pride ourselves on supporting our children on becoming innovative and enterprising citizens whilst always considering future sustainability. Projects are evaluated by teachers and peers, enabling children to recognise how they can self improve and work together with others. This will support them with future planning.