Welcome to Design and Technology at Lightmoor
Intent
It is our intent that through our Design Technology curriculum, children are inspired and given the opportunities to use their imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Our curriculum, structured using ‘KAPOW’ will enable pupils to acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and use cross curricular learning in subjects such as maths, science, computing and art. We have appropriately adapted the curriculum, in order to maximise the opportunity for outdoor learning and the demonstration of skills within the real world. Through design technology, we want pupils to learn how to take risks, consider the needs and views of others and to become resourceful and capable citizens. Opportunities to evaluate past and present deign and technology will enable pupils to develop an understanding of it impact on daily life and the wider world, whilst also providing them the important opportunity to reflect and improve. We want pupils to create links with local businesses and see the real and relevant impact of design and technology in their local environment, as well as insight and inspiration for future career options.
Implementation
The foundation subjects at Lightmoor are taught on a cycle to support the working memory of pupils by regularly revisiting each subject during the academic year. Our DT teaching is structured using KAPOW, following our own version of the ‘condensed curriculum’. This ensures that children achieve depth in their learning, whilst also reflecting and building on the skills learnt in DT from previous year groups. At the beginning of a new unit of learning, children can recall prior learning using a ‘knowledge catcher’. This encourages reflection, whilst also giving teachers the opportunity to accurately assess, scaffold and challenge those individual needs. Through our commitment to inclusion, there are high aspirations for all pupils. Appropriate scaffolding and challenge ensure that the needs of all pupils are met. Cross curricular links are capitalised on to deepen learning and where possible, children experience learning relating to ‘real world opportunities’, such as DT focused visits and workshops.
Impact
At Lightmoor, our pupils receive a broad and balanced curriculum. There are opportunities in individual lessons and at the start and end of a unit of work to assess whether children know and remember more. There are clear end points for pupils in all year groups to achieve age related expectations in design and technology and through a range of resources, every child makes progress. Design and technology is structured, enjoyable and practical, striving to ensure all pupils at Lightmoor are equipped with skills preparing them for the next stage of their education.
"Design is intelligence made visible." -- Alina Wheeler
D.T Lead : Miss Bird
D.T Progression Grids (Reception to Year 6)