LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT
Design & Technology
Our Spindle Point Design & Technology curriculum begins in our Early Years. The DT Subject Leader worked alongside the EYFS Lead to ensure all our pupils are equipped with the knowledge and skills to begin their learning journey in KS1, and into KS2. In EYFS, Design and Technology is an integral part of topic work, relating aspects of the children’s work to the objectives set out in the Early Learning Goals with particularly close links to Expressive Art & Design and Physical Development.
The Spindle Point Design & Technology curriculum continues progressively throughout KS1 and KS2. The knowledge and skills required to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum have been planned out across the year groups. The following areas of learning are developed across the Key Stages: Mechanical Systems, Textiles , Cooking & Nutrition and Structures, with Electrical Systems and The Digital World also studied in KS2 . The children go through the same research, design, make and evaluate processes every term and this rehearsed format supports deeper understanding and builds connections.
In KS1 and 2, explicit DT lessons take place in alternate half-terms: Autumn 2, Spring 2 and Summer 2. In each of the other three half-terms, children complete a weekly flashback task, where they will revise the knowledge previously learnt.
The DT Subject Leader has planned termly opportunities to signpost children to career paths that require the knowledge and skills acquired in DT lessons. Children learn about significant people and events within each project. This is with the intention to inspire our pupils to have aspirations for themselves working within the subject.
All units of work have key vocabulary to be explicitly taught, which is summarised in the Overview document found below. Children have access to a range of DT books, and the DT Leader has planned a whole school scheme of reading, linked to each DT unit, which can also be found below.
DT has a high profile in our school, and all children’s successes are celebrated on our DT display.
The school recognises that utilising experts outside of the school team can really enhance children’s experiences and so we aim to maintain our enthusiasm for working with outside companies. Most recently we have completed a project with Primary Engineer Rail Programme, funded by The Morson Group.
