Design Technology Curriculum Overview

This document details how we organise the skills, knowledge and vocabulary that is taught in Design Technology across the school in each year group. 

Curriculum Intent
Design and technology is an inspiring and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Through our D.T. Curriculum, all our pupils will learn how to take risks, become resourceful, innovative and enterprising. At Westmoor, they acquire a range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, pupils develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. 

Design and technology at Westmoor should be taught through a combination of defined design and technology projects, the direct teaching of skills and through activities integrated within the learning of other subjects or ‘Themed’ work.

Curriculum Implementation
We follow the Early Years Framework and the National Curriculum, supported by a clear progression map to ensure that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children.

The National Curriculum for design and technology aims to ensure that all pupils:  develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed participate successfully in an increasingly technological world; build and apply knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users; critique, evaluate and test ideas and products and the work of others; and understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

At Westmoor, we strive to provide a program of learning opportunities for all pupils to gain the basic knowledge and understanding, of design and technology and the processes that are rooted in real life, relevant contexts to give meaning to learning. We aim to ensure health and safety of all pupils during design and technology activities.

Curriculum Impact

We encourage all children to take responsibility for their own learning. We measure the impact of learning through observations within sessions, work produced and pieces displayed around school. Feedback is provided by peers and teachers alongside the use of self-assessment in order for children to become creative and critical thinkers. Planning incorporates formal elements and skill progression in the following areas: designing, making and evaluation. The curriculum aims to provide children with the skills and attributes to become lifelong learners and to develop a love of DT.

​Relevant Documents

Here are some documents which are relevant to Design Technology at Westmoor. 

Recommended websites

Below are some websites that your child may find enjoyable and help to develop their understanding of Science.