Design & Technology

Meet your Subject Leader

Mr. Clegg

Design and Technology is my passion. I was a cabinet maker before I took the wondrous decision to become a teacher. I love to explore, and pull things apart to see how they work; something we should all do no matter how old we are. D&T is all around us and our environment exists because of it. D&T is the one true problem solving subject were children learn from valuable mistakes and apply new skills to create an object for an end user. I love the opportunity when children get to make something without the fear of getting it wrong.

Statement of Intent

At Penwortham Primary School, our Design and Technology (DT) curriculum is crafted to ignite creativity and foster critical thinking, empowering students to become innovators and problem-solvers equipped for the complexities of modern life. In Penwortham Primary School we enable children to achieve excellence through our school values: Aspire, Belong, Care, Discover.​

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Aspire: Encourage Aspirational change: Foster a culture of inquiry and innovation, allowing pupils to explore and design solutions to real-world problems through a variety of project-based learning experiences that resonate with their interests, from household items to products that solve local community challenges.​

Belong: Foster Belonging and Collaborative work: Build an inclusive environment where teamwork and open communication thrive, encouraging students to respect diverse ideas and perspectives as they collaboratively tackle design projects that promote a sense of belonging and shared ownership.​

Care: Create Caring and Sustainability Awareness: Equip students with a comprehensive understanding of sustainable practices, ensuring they are aware of their environmental impact through lessons that emphasise ethical sourcing, recycling, and the significance of sustainable design in their project work.​

Discover: Discover and Develop Practical Skills: Ensure that every child masters a range of skills using tools and materials safely and effectively, cultivating high standards of craftsmanship and a sense of achievement through tangible outcomes in their projects.

Implement

Our implementation strategy utilises a structured, well-resourced, and flexible approach, ensuring that all aspects of the D&T curriculum are engaging, challenging, and inclusive. Key elements include:

Curriculum Design: Our D&T curriculum adheres to the National Curriculum guidelines with a well-sequenced, progressive structure, ensuring each unit builds on prior knowledge while addressing a range of material areas such as textiles, woodwork, and food technology.

Projects and Themes: Students undertake a series of thematic projects that are designed to integrate skills from various disciplines. For example, a project may involve creating a product using CAD software in combination with sewing or constructing a model that reflects an understanding of mechanical systems and energy sources.

Inclusive Learning Environment: We are committed to providing adapted instruction tailored to the diverse learning needs of our students, including SEND pupils. Our teaching methods include one-on-one support, peer mentoring, and targeted resources to ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and excel.

Resources and Facilities: D&T  is well-equipped with a comprehensive range of tools and materials including hand tools, sewing machines, and electronics kits. Additionally, our access to technology such as 3D printers and digital design software enhances creative opportunities and prepares students for future technological advancements.

Professional Development: Ongoing professional development for staff is paramount. We conduct regular training sessions focused on the latest pedagogical practices, new technology integration, and innovative approaches to teaching D&T, ensuring our educators are skilled and confident in delivering high-quality instruction.

Assessment and Feedback: We implement a rigorous assessment framework, including formative assessments, project evaluations, and peer reviews, fostering a culture of reflective learning. This feedback loop encourages students to articulate their learning processes and make iterative improvements in their designs and production.

Impact 

The effectiveness of our D&T curriculum is evidenced through measurable outcomes and positive changes in student attitudes and skills:

Skill Development: Pupils demonstrate remarkable progress in practical skills and artistic expression, with a  percentage achieving above expected levels in national assessments and exhibiting a high standard of work during showcases.

Engagement and Enjoyment: Increases in participation and enthusiasm for D&T lessons indicate that students find the subject engaging and enjoyable. Our annual surveys reveal that the vast majority of students express a keen interest in pursuing further design activities both in and out of school.

Real-world Application: Students can articulate how their designs relate to real-life scenarios, showcasing their understanding of practical applications and community impact. They learn to identify problems in their environment and propose feasible design solutions that demonstrate their capacity for analytical thinking.

Sustainability Practices: Evidence of increased awareness and incorporation of sustainable materials in student projects reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship. Surveys indicate that students actively consider sustainability in their design processes.

Collaborative Skills: Observations show that students work exceptionally well in collaborative settings, with many exhibiting leadership qualities and sharing responsibilities. Their respect for diverse perspectives enriches their learning experience and fosters a cohesive classroom environment.

Important Design and Technology documents

Design and Technology resources

Design and Technology in Action