Design Technology
Why do we teach DT at Westcliff?
At Westcliff Primary Academy, we aim to give the children the skills to design, make and evaluate their own products, following a design brief in a variety of contexts. Children will have the opportunity to develop their technical knowledge by using a range of tools and materials to create their products.
Our DT curriculum aims:
- 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 to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.
- Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
- Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.
These key concepts underpin learning in each milestone. This enable pupils to reinforce and build upon prior learning, make connections and develop subject specific language.
How do we teach DT at Westcliff?
Design Technology is broken down into three strands:
- Food and nutrition
- Textiles
- Construction
Design Technology is taught using the Grammarsaurus DT scheme as a starting point. Our skills progression starts in EYFS as children are taught to research, design, make, evaluate and are taught the fundamentals of technical knowledge. Knowledge, skills and understanding are progressively built upon through each of the areas of experience of designing, making, evaluating, technical knowledge and cooking and nutrition. Within each discipline this has been provided through gradually extending the breadth of content, increasing the depth of knowledge and understanding and focusing on improving the quality of responses and outcomes.
Design Technology Curriculum