Design and Technology

To view our D.T framework please click here

Welcome to The Mendip School’s Design and Technology page

Intent

Design and Technology (DT) is such a progressive subject that encompasses much of the world around us and therefore goes hand in hand with other curriculum subjects. Elements of DT will be evident in other subjects including Science, Mathematics, Art and History. Our knowledge and understanding of which must ‘keep up’ with continually developing ideas and discoveries. Staff will engage with pupils to encourage their understanding of local and wider environmental factors which affect design and manufacturing. The innovative nature of DT lends itself to the unique and varied aptitudes of the pupils at The Mendip School that both nurtures their curiosity and develops their intellect.

Through a carefully planned, broad and balanced curriculum, we will encourage pupils to be inquisitive, confident and independent. We will provide a safe learning environment, meeting the needs of all pupils, whatever their interest or ability. Our personalized curriculum enables every learner to gain greater self-esteem, meet their full potential and recognise their achievements.

We will facilitate experiences that allow the pupils to progress their abilities, not only to build upon and secure the all-important practical life skills, but to also provide them with more choice to explore areas of creative study and opportunities for work in the future. Our pupils will be confident to try new techniques and equipment, eager to experiment with their ideas and reflective when evaluating their work.

Our staff will work alongside the children through a hands-on, inquiry based process, challenging the pupils’ critical thinking, imagination, problem-solving and practical skills.

Implementation

We have different branches of our curriculum: Holistic, Formal, characteristics of effective learning and core- non negotiables.

The Design and Technology Curriculum at The Mendip School is completely personalised for all pupils and uses a range of approaches and teaching styles incorporating lots of explanation, modelling, scaffolding and practical application. Sessions are differentiated and the school adapts its approach to the curriculum for pupils with different needs and in different school phases. DT skills are built-on and developed throughout the children’s time at school. Class sessions may be in smaller groups, in our well-equipped DT Workshop alongside trained and qualified staff or in the pupils’ own classrooms.

Holistic Curriculum

The holistic nature of our practice will promote positive mental health and well-being and will enhance our pupils’ life skills and social skills. We provide opportunities for exploration and critical thinking. To give a sense of achievement whilst learning a variety of skills, understand why it’s important to plan and work carefully and develop an awareness of safety. Our pupils will enhance their senses whilst exploring materials and textures and have fun with purpose. We will identify ethical practices including environmental factors such as sustainability and research where materials are from. We will visit local areas, suppliers and practise real life skills including the purchasing of materials.

Formal Curriculum

Pupils follow the National Curriculum and our school’s own B-Levels for Design and Technology. Every teacher has the highest learning expectations and the teaching styles and resources meet the pupils’ needs. Staff create a positive attitude to learning within their classrooms and the DT room and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards within Design and technology.

Our curriculum builds upon the learning and skills development of the previous years and we adapt our approach to the subject for pupils with differing needs. Through our planning, we involve problem solving opportunities that allow children to find things out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask questions and given opportunities to use their practical and research skills to discover best practice. Planning also incorporates the pupils’ interests and ideas, which we believe are of great importance as this strengthens their engagement in activities and gives them ownership over their achievements. Teachers demonstrate and vary design processes and how to use a range of equipment, in order to broaden and embed skills and understanding.

Teachers use precise questioning to test conceptual knowledge and assess children regularly through practical tasks and discussion; identifying any gaps in the children’s learning. We are then able to support the children’s next steps, both ‘in the moment’ and in following lessons, to enable deeper, more purposeful learning.

Impact

· Pupils will be inquisitive and question the world around them.

· Pupils of all abilities will be able to succeed within Design and Technology, because work will be appropriately scaffolded.

· Pupils will be equipped with the practical skills and knowledge required to understand the uses of different design and construction techniques.

· Our DT Curriculum is high quality, well thought out and is planned to demonstrate progression.

· Pupils can discuss their learning and evaluate their work.

· Assessment of work is recorded on ‘Evidence for Learning’ and practical evidence shows progression of pupils’ knowledge and skills.

· Assessment informs planning and targets for personalised learning for each pupil.

· Through clear, consistent boundaries and expectations, children will understand and respect safety needs in regards to the use of equipment and materials.

· Pupils are confident to ‘have a go’ and develop their skills.

· The pupils are engaged during lessons and have a positive attitude towards their learning and achievements within DT.