Design and Technology
The purpose of Design and Technology from the National Curriculum is thoroughly integrated into our curriculum at Thorn Grove. Our approach focuses on evaluating existing products, developing skills, and designing and making for real and meaningful problems. We also emphasise the importance of considering the needs of the user, embracing risk-taking, being resourceful, and promoting innovation.
Our curriculum is well-structured and coherent, and we are proud to have the support of The Design Technology Association's 'Projects on a Page'. This ensures that our teaching is aligned with best practice. We link our projects to other curriculum areas, where appropriate to deepen learning and make purposeful connections.
Throughout the year, classes dedicate time to teaching three units of Design and Technology. These units are sometimes taught weekly, but on occasions, they are delivered as a block of lessons over a few days, depending on the nature of the unit. The selection of units takes into careful consideration the progression of Design Technology skills as children progress through the school. To reinforce learning, we also revisit skills to consolidate and build upon them.
Our primary aim is to empower our children as designers. Each unit of work guides them through the iterative process, starting with evaluating existing products, acquiring key skills, and culminating in the design, creation, and evaluation of their own projects.
We ensure that the children's work is properly documented in their Design and Technology books, supplemented with photographs to showcase the practical aspects of their projects.