Design Technology

Design and Technology Curriculum Intent

Enjoy achieving together… by being the best that we can be!

At Usworth Colliery we understand that design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. We hope the children will learn to take risks, be resourceful and creative through the technological experiences we provide. Design and technology at Usworth Colliery, encourages pupils to use their knowledge from various other subjects such as mathematics, science, computing and art to develop their curiosity within this ever-evolving technological world. Children’s resilience is encouraged through the use of designing and making their projects. Our children will be given opportunities to work collaboratively with their peers to develop their design and technology skills with the support of one another and adults within their setting.

The children will gain a broad range of knowledge and experience by engaging in projects ranging from food, electrical, mechanical and structural tasks. Each project will be tailored to engage pupils to build their knowledge in many areas of design and technology which will equip them for their futures outside of education. We hope Design and Technology at Usworth Colliery will inspire children to become leaders in the subject. Leaders who will move on to develop exciting projects of their own which will be essential to the contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Here at Usworth we strive to deliver exciting, engaging and projects where they children can use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. While going through the design and making process the children are challenged to consider their own and others’ needs, wants and values for the product.

Each project will develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to confidently perform everyday tasks in the outside world. As well as building their knowledge, understanding and skills to enable them to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users. Children will become flexible thinkers through the use of evaluation, critique and testing of their ideas and products and the work of their peers. Food technology will facilitate the children’s understanding of the principles of nutrition and their cooking skills to become competent in some of the basic skills that will allow them to be applied in the wider community.

Design and Technology in the Early Years Foundation Stage

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, Design and Technology forms part of the ‘Expressive Arts and Design’ category. Through daily continuous provision, our children will be provided with a multitude of opportunities to explore and develop their early design and technology skills. The daily, engaging tasks provided will enable our children to build on their previous learning and exploration, as well as beginning to refine and develop their skills. Collaborative learning is encouraged through child initiated learning and is the platform for our children to create and share their ideas with their peers as they investigate a variety of resources and tools.

Our staff also encourage Design and Technology with an adult-led approach, incorporating the projects, designed with EYFS in mind, that encourage our children to reflect and discuss their ideas. It also allows for discussion and problem solving as a group whilst providing a range of tools and materials to discover and explore. All of the skills our children are provided and encouraged with, will support them in their progression into KS1, where the foundation of these skills will be further built upon and developed.

Our Curriculum creates learners who are: