Our Aims:

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others' needs, wants and values.

We aim to ensure that children:

• 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

What does Design and Technology look like at Callowell?

Our curriculum is designed around our school community, we use this driver to propel the curriculum offer to ensure the Callowell community are at the centre. Our DT curriculum is based on the aims and principles of the National Curriculum, focusing upon the DT concepts of: textiles, structures, mechanisms, cooking and nutrition. Within each area of DT, children will learn how to design, make and evaluate a specific product with opportunities to take risks, become resourceful, innovate and draw upon disciplines of Mathematics, Science, Engineering, Computing and Art.  We ensure that learning is progressive and inclusive with a focus on teaching high-quality vocabulary to improve subject specific oracy, as well as providing children with the opportunity to learn about and be inspired by local and national designers. 

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children engage with DT through the Early Learning Goals 'Expressive Arts and Design' and 'Physical Development.' Within these Early Learning Goals, children explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, supporting their imagination and creativity. Alongside, developing their fine motor control. 

At Callowell, we have a range of established links within our local community that we draw upon to enhance learning. To ensure children are provided with a broad cultural development we also provide them with opportunities to extend their learning beyond our local community. Learning experiences include: trips, workshops, expert visitors and using our local area for inspiration. 

How do we assess Design and Technology?

Our Design and Technology curriculum is designed progressively to ensure that children build on previous knowledge and skills learnt and form connections between the DT forms studied. We use regular retrieval practice sessions within class to further support this. 

By the end of each key stage, children are expected to know, apply and understand the matters, skills and processes studied within the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and National Curriculum programmes of study. Class teachers use formative assessment in all lessons to identify children's understanding of the DT concepts and key knowledge taught, alongside Evidence Me and Insight. This allows us to track the attainment and progress of children throughout their school journey.