Design and Technology

   Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject.              

Intent

The 2014 national curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:
- 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
- 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

At Rode Heath, we aim to provide opportunities for our children to create products for a range of purposes, developing a variety of relevant and adaptable skills and habits that are built upon as they progress through the years (and are life-long*). We want them to be able to apply their own ideas to create real-life solutions to needs within the current world we live in. Through this, the aim is that the children will become progressively more competent and confident with communicating their designs, increasingly dexterous with the skills necessary (from cookery to sewing to construction skills etc) and increasingly proficient in evaluating their own projects and those of others.
*Instilling our whole school ethos of Engineering Habits of Mind (EHoM) in our pupils is key to all of the above.

Furthermore, our design and technology curriculum at Rode Heath is inclusive in order for all children to achieve and develop their skills to the best of their ability with no barriers such as gender stereotypes within certain industries.

Implementation

Our design and technology curriculum, which uses Kapow planning, links closely with other subjects, especially STEM subjects, computing and art. It is informed by the expertise of real-life industry professionals, through the study of renowned specialists including engineers, designers, architects etc; excursions to relevant industries (local where possible); and visits from engineers, to inspire, consult and advise us. 

At the end of each unit of study, the children have a composite assessment task to carry out - an opportunity for them to demonstrate the skills they have accumulated. 

We also have specific whole school enrichment days planned, dedicated to carrying out activities relating to our particular chosen themes within design and technology.

Impact
Pupils will:
*be familiar with the whole design and make process, valuing the importance of each aspect.
 *be willing to have a go, recognising that mistakes are part of the process.
 *develop and use Engineering Habits of Mind (EHoM) throughout the curriculum.
 *develop and refine skills within the disciplines, including inventing, cooking, sewing etc
 *build STEM capita

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