Design & Technology

Intent

At Houghton Regis Primary School the intent of our Design and Technology (DT) curriculum is to equip all pupils with the necessary skills, knowledge, and understanding to engage meaningfully with the design process and technological advancements. We aim to foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities through hands-on experiences, which prepare our students for future educational and career paths.

Our DT curriculum is designed with the following objectives:

Cultural Relevance: To embrace the cultural heritage of our community and reflect it within our projects, thereby fostering a sense of belonging and pride among our pupils.
Interdisciplinary Learning: To integrate knowledge from mathematics, science, art, and history, allowing students to see the connections across subjects and apply learning in real-world contexts.
Sustainability Awareness: To educate pupils on sustainable practices and the importance of environmentally friendly design, encouraging them to think critically about the materials and processes they use.
Skill Development: To develop a broad skill set that includes designing, making, and evaluating products, ensuring pupils gain confidence in using tools and materials safely.

Implementation

The implementation of our DT curriculum is characterised by a well-structured, progressive framework that promotes experiential learning and collaboration:

Curriculum Design: Our curriculum is sequenced effectively, ensuring that each unit builds upon previous knowledge and skills. Lessons are tailored to accommodate diverse learning needs, providing opportunities for every pupil to excel.
Project-Based Learning: Each module contains hands-on projects that culminate in tangible outcomes. Pupils are encouraged to brainstorm, prototype, and refine their ideas, fostering a mind-set of resilience and adaptability.
Cross-Curricular Integration: We actively collaborate with other subjects to create integrated learning experiences. For instance, mathematical concepts are applied in measuring and cutting materials, whilst scientific principles are explored in food technology and material properties.
Assessment and Feedback: Formative assessment strategies are embedded within our lessons, providing continuous feedback. Pupil self-assessment and peer reviews are encouraged to promote reflective learning and ownership of their progress.

Impact

The impact of our DT curriculum is evident through the following outcomes:

Pupil Engagement and Motivation: Observations and feedback indicate high levels of engagement during DT sessions, with pupils excited about the projects they undertake and demonstrating a strong desire to explore new ideas.
Skill Acquisition: Pupils consistently demonstrate proficiency in design processes, materials handling, and evaluation techniques. They create high-quality products that reflect an understanding of the design brief and user needs.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Pupils articulate their design decisions and engage in constructive discussions about their peers’ work, indicating the development of higher-order thinking skills.
Sustainability Awareness: Pupils show a growing understanding of sustainable practices, often choosing to implement environmentally friendly materials and processes in their projects.
Preparedness for Future Education: Transition data demonstrate that pupils entering secondary education feel confident in their DT skills, reflecting a solid foundation for further exploration of technology and design.

Through our commitment to excellence in Design and Technology education, we ensure that our pupils are not only prepared for the next stage of their academic journey but are also equipped with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

DT – Whole School Overview