...a haven of hope and aspiration...

Subject Lead: Miss Taylor

At Archbishop Courtenay Primary School, our intention through teaching Design Technology is to provide children with a real-life context for learning. As an inspiring and practical subject, we intend to prepare children to deal with an ever-changing technological world, encouraging them to become creative and resourceful problem solvers, working both independently and as members of a team. We teach them to be inspired by real world opportunities and relevant problems, identifying needs and developing a range of ideas and solutions in a variety of contexts. Furthermore, they learn to overcome challenges and improve designs and products, all the while finding motivation and meaning for their learning.

British Values

At Archbishop Courtenay Primary School we understand clearly our responsibility in preparing children for their next stage of education and for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life, laying the foundations so that they can take their place successfully in modern British society. We promote a respect for and understanding of different faiths, cultures and lifestyles. The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of each child is central to everything that we do as a school and central to our vision of being a haven of Hope and Aspiration. This is evidenced through our teaching and learning, our inclusive environment and through the many opportunities provided for our children to understand democracy, law, liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.

Planning

At Archbishop Courtenay Primary School Design and Technology is taught through a thematic approach. Our curriculum is carefully planned to engage and excite all our learners. Our long-term and medium-term plans map out the themes covered each term for each key stage. These plans define what we will teach and ensure an appropriate balance and distribution of work across each term.

Assessment

Teachers monitor progress in a formative way and adjust their teaching accordingly, this supports teachers in identifying and filling gaps in children’s knowledge. Ongoing assessment is carried out throughout each lesson and we adapt our teaching to the needs of the children. Children to part in quizzes, to reinforce prior learning and gaps, at the start of lessons and at the end of the whole unit. At the end of the unit, teachers assess children’s progress towards the end of key stage national curriculum objectives. We use this to support our identification of gifted and talented pupils. 

Collective Evidence

At Archbishop Courteany Primary School we believe that all pupils should have the opportunities to share their pupil voice. We do this in a number of ways. The curriculum allows opportunities for pupils to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding when using their pupil voice. The subject leader finds out pupils’ opinions about the teaching of Art and the content covered through interviewing during pupil conferencing and during lesson observations. The subject leader acts upon the comments and suggestions of pupils wherever possible.

Enrichment Opportunities

• Learning to learn week incorporating with PSHE HeartSmart

Targets

• To raise the profile of Design and Technology within the school.
• To promote healthy eating opportunities during cooking activities.
• To engage the wider community through a showcase event.

Impact

Discussions with pupils have shown that they enjoy Design and Technology lessons and would like the opportunity to be more creative on a regular basis.