Intent

At Joy Lane Primary School, the intent of our Design and Technology (DT) curriculum is to nurture a love of learning and an enthusiasm for creativity, innovation, and problem-solving through the scheme of work, PlanIt. We aim to provide a learning environment that encourages experimentation, collaboration, and the application of knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. Our intent is to empower students to become confident, resourceful, and responsible individuals, preparing them for a future where design and technology play pivotal roles in shaping the world.

Implementation

To achieve our intent, we have adopted the PlanIt Design and Technology planning framework, ensuring a comprehensive and structured approach to DT education. Design and Technology skills and understanding are built into lessons, following a sequential process. Through revisiting and consolidating skills, with ongoing reference to our Knowledge Organisers, our DT lessons help children build on prior knowledge alongside introducing new skills, knowledge and challenge.

Each year group has three units to cover over the course of a year, ensuring that knowledge and skills are built upon year-on-year. The revision and introduction of key vocabulary is built into each lesson, supported by Widgit visuals and Language through Colour, in line with school policy. This vocabulary is then included in display materials, word mats and Knowledge Organisers to ensure that children are allowed opportunities for repetition and revision.

Adult guides and accurate design and technology subject knowledge are available for each lesson to allow the teacher and adults to feel confident and supported with the skills and knowledge that they are teaching. Through Joy Lane’s 'Ready, Respectful, and Responsible' school ethos, we instill positive behaviors, encouraging students to be prepared for lesson activities, respectful of their peers and resources, and responsible for their learning outcomes. Through these lessons, we intend to inspire pupils and practitioners to develop a love of Design and Technology and see how it has helped shape the ever-evolving technological world they live in.

We use formative assessment strategies, such as peer and self-assessment, and the 'Voices for Choices' animal characteristics to enable children to reflect on their learning and identify areas for improvement.

Impact

As a result of our broad DT curriculum, children at Joy Lane Primary School exhibit confidence, a love for learning, and a passion for creativity. Our inclusive approach fosters a community where learners value and respect others, embodying British values and becoming confident and curious individuals. The impact is evident in their ability to apply skills and knowledge creatively in DT units and beyond, inspiring a lifelong love for learning and a readiness to contribute positively to society.