Design and Technology

What do we want children to learn?

At Ashbury Primary School, we believe that Design and Technology develops technical knowledge, creativity, imagination and perseverance. Based on prior skills and understanding, children design and make products that solve real and relevant problems in a variety of contexts. Children will learn how to think critically and persevere with problems that may arise as well as work cooperatively and responsibly with others. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they will reflect and develop critical thinking and have an understanding of its impact on daily life and on the future of our ever-changing world. In evaluating their own and other people’s work with compassion, we will develop positive thinkers who have the resilience to ‘have another go’, despite any challenges and problems that may have arisen.

How do we teach Design and Technology?

At Ashbury CE Primary School, DT is taught once a week for 3 terms of the school year (or blocked for the equivalent hours). We use the National Curriculum objectives to plan exciting, creative and engaging lessons. We follow the 'Projects on a Page' units. Lessons build on a sequence over several lessons, as well as year-on-year. The sequence of lessons is planned carefully to reach a specific outcome. We build upon the knowledge and skill development of the previous years. As children’s knowledge and understanding increases, they will become more proficient in designing, selecting and using tools and equipment and evaluating their products.

To achieve our aims, lessons are planned to ensure children are challenged and motivated, enhancing their 'love for learning'. Our lessons are cross-curricular and links across subjects are made when this is possible. Children are provided with the best resources possible, enabling staff to make lessons practical, engaging and active. We provide constant support for our children and, through this engagement, all children are able to achieve and reach their goals with confidence.

Teachers model and instruct on the key skills and share key knowledge for each lesson, then allowing children time to practise, investigate and develop independently, while offering support where needed.

On leaving Ashbury with Compton Beauchamp CofE Primary School, children will:

Acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw links with maths, science, computing and art. Pupils will be able to take risks. They will have become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they will have developed a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.