It is our intention at Eastcote, that in teaching design and technology through the philosophy of the IB and the Primary Years Programme (PYP), all our pupils, regardless of need and background, become resourceful, enterprising citizens who make a positive contribution to their community and the world. We aim to create an excitement in learning about design and technology so that our pupils will be inspired to be tomorrow’s architects, builders or designers.
Our children will learn about the designed and made world and, in turn, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Through design and technology, our children develop skills, work collaboratively and solve problems. Students will gain well-rounded, layered knowledge as our curriculum enables them to revisit and develop their skills. They are actively encouraged to think about important issues such as sustainability and enterprise.
Through the Primary Years Programme (PYP) the design and technology curriculum has been mapped within the six key transdisciplinary themes. Our curriculum mapping enables pupils to deepen their understanding by revisiting concepts over time.
This layered approach supports children in embedding prior learning and integrating new knowledge into larger concepts. Teachers check learners’ understanding systematically using visuals, models and mock-ups to support children’s developing understanding. Assessment is used well to check understanding and inform teaching, ensuring progression in the acquisition of skills across year groups.
As pupils progress through the school, they develop, plan and communicate ideas whilst acquiring knowledge and understanding of materials and processes and applying these to real life contexts. Pupils are provided with opportunities to work with a range of tools, equipment, materials and components to design and make quality products. At Eastcote, we teach our pupils to use tools and equipment safely as well as insisting upon good practice of food hygiene and preparation. The children take inspiration from their learning about key events and individuals in design and technology. They evaluate processes and products and are encouraged to reflect on their work collaboratively.
In Early Years, children’s understanding of design and technology is taught through ‘Expressive Arts and Design’. This aspect is about the safe use and exploration of a variety of materials, tools and techniques. A combination of child initiated and adult directed activities are planned to build upon previous learning and children are given opportunities to share their creations, explaining the processes they have used.
At key stage one, the children are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills they need to engage in the design and making process. They use a wide range of materials and components, including construction materials, textiles and ingredients. They develop their technical knowledge through building and problem solving with structures and exploring the use of mechanisms in their products.
At key stage 2, the children build on their knowledge, understanding and skills, using research to develop their design criteria. They select from and use a wider range of materials, including electrical systems and cams. . Discovering how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped to shape the world equips children with a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.
The design and technology curriculum enthuses pupils through engaging activities, where they learn how to take risks, solve problems and work collaboratively.
Pupils will have refined and developed their skills and techniques as they revisit and layer their understanding of design and technology. Learners will develop detailed knowledge and skills across the curriculum. Design and technology inspires creativity and imagination, giving pupils the opportunity to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Our design and technology curriculum leads pupils to be enthusiastic learners who leave Eastcote Primary Academy equipped with essential life skills and ready for the next stage of their education, employment or training.