Design and Technology

At St John Evangelist Primary we believe Design Technology should be rooted in real life, relevant contexts to give meaning to learning. Where appropriate, we use a cross-curricular approach to the teaching of DT and so the very nature of our DT projects include a hybrid of transferable skills with links to History, Science, Maths and Art. 

As an inner-city school with social and economic challenges it is important to use Design Technology to develop our children’s skills and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials. DT encourages our children’s creativity and helps them to think about important issues. We are an inclusive school and ensure that every child’s needs are catered for. For example knowing where adult support is needed when developing crucial finer motor skills, particularly when working with wood work and textiles.

We understand the importance of recording children’s work tailored to their needs, for example, capturing their voice. Cooking is taught at least annually and is made purposeful, for example making Gingerbread Houses during Advent or designing and making a menu `for ‘International week’. As a diverse school, this gives children the opportunity to try and experiment with different foods from around the world and to appreciate other cultures. We offer a very well-attended cooking club alongside the cooking curriculum.

Our children have lots of opportunities to explore museums and influential buildings on regular school trips, which are linked to the ‘Topic’ they have been studying that term. We follow a Design, Make and Evaluate model where each stage is rooted in technical knowledge. Planning is supported by the Plan Bee DT scheme. Phase groups plan foundation subjects together, and ensure that there are opportunities for purposeful DT lessons and ensure that each year group follows the progression ladders.

Staff liaise with the Subject Leader for support with planning and discussing the best resources to use. Good quality resources are imperative for DT and so these are discussed and stocked in advance. In DT children get the opportunity to solve problems and develop their learning independently, given them ownership over their curriculum and lead their own learning.

Children will also work as part of a team, learning to support and help one another towards an end goal. DT learning is evidenced in children’s books.