At Sir John Heron, the D&T curriculum aims to develop and use creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. From the start of their educational experience at Sir John Heron, in the early years, children explore D&T by being encouraged to explore, observe, solve problems, think critically, make decisions and talk about why they have made these decisions. As they progress through the school children record from first-hand experience and from imagination, and to select their own ideas to use in their work. Our focus is to improve the children’s ability to control materials, tools and techniques. Pupils will increase their critical awareness of the roles and purposes of D&T in different times and cultures. Children will develop increasing confidence in the use of visual and tactile elements and materials. We allow for children to become more independent in their learning and get used to the idea of an iterative process. Children evaluate and test ideas and products and the work of others. Children will understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook as part of becoming a healthy citizen.

Assessment in D&T is a continual process. During lessons, teachers assess learning through questioning, discussions and looking at children’s work. In the EYFS, D&T is covered in the areas of communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development. From year 1 onwards KWL grids are used which aid teachers to make judgements based on the knowledge acquired after a particular topic. D&T is taught each term in blocks over the course of two weeks from Years 1 to 6.  The objectives follow that of the National Curriculum to ensure that the skills and techniques obtained are met in a carefully thought-out manner. Curriculum maps specify units of work covered in the school’s D&T curriculum. At Sir John Heron, teachers are provided with a detailed medium term plan which outlines the outcomes of a particular topic. The plans also include key vocabulary (tier 2 and 3 words) which teachers embed within their teaching, along with cross-curricular links and enrichment opportunities to ensure a broad and balanced programme of learning. Resources are also considered and children are encouraged to use different mediums to develop their skills. Particular units of work have a focus on nutrition and cooking where children design and prepare dishes while developing an understanding about balanced and healthy diets. Children will also develop a range of cooking skills needed to prepare dishes such as cutting. As a school, we ensure children work collaboratively and emphasise the use of partner talk. This ensures key vocabulary is strengthened and children are developing their communication skills. In lessons, new vocabulary (tier 2 and 3) is explicitly taught and teachers use a range of strategies to check children’s understanding of this e.g. asking them to use the word in a sentence. Previously taught vocabulary is revisited regularly to help embed into long term memory.  A record of final pieces is kept in topic books for the Leader of Learning to monitor to ensure skills are progressive and high-quality teaching is maintained.

Design and technology is an inspiring, creative and practical subject. By the end of year 6, our pupils would have had many opportunities to use their creativity to design and make products that solve real problems within a variety of contexts. Pupils acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and make cross-curricular links with their topics. Our children are equipped with the essential D&T knowledge and skills needed for the next stage in education. We hope to inspire young learners to become problem-solvers, critical thinkers, and future innovators. Children will explore their imaginations and turn their ideas into a reality. By embracing the creativity and curiosity inherent in every child, we hope to ignite a passion for learning that extends far beyond the classroom walls.