Understanding the World - DT
Intent:
Our Design & Technology offer will enable pupils at Curnow School to learn skills that enhance and develop their creative, technical and practical knowledge. They will be given opportunities to progress their understanding of designing and making a range of products including functional products and those that are fit for purpose. They will learn how to be reflective, evaluate ideas, problem solve, make choices in real life situations and further progress practical skills to perform everyday tasks. Through the Cooking & Nutrition strand, pupils will learn how to identify, prepare and cook healthy foods and meals. Practical work will further enhance and develop pupil’s fine, gross and sensory skills whilst also providing social experiences for pupils to further develop their skills for independent living.
Implementation:
Design & Technology is delivered to pupils in the EYFS through the area of ‘Expressive Arts & Design’ and from KS1 through to KS3 it is delivered as part of the non-core Curnow Curriculum area of ‘Understanding the World’. In KS4 and P16 Design & Technology is delivered through the modules of ‘Work Related Learning’ and ‘Independent Living & Life Skills’ which are part of the ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ curriculum. Additionally, P16 pupils also have the opportunity to work on Design & Technology ASDAN accreditation linked modules. Our long term planning follows a rolling programme which ensures breadth of study encompassing the key skill areas within the D&T curriculum; Creative, technical & practical expertise, Designing & making for users, Evaluating & testing ideas & products, Principles of Cooking & Nutrition. Encouraging and modelling to pupils how to use these skills, their creativity and imagination through well-planned, differentiated and sequential activities enables pupils to design and make products that can solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, whilst also promoting and progressing their independence.
Impact:
Design & Technology supports our pupils to develop, practice and enhance their performance across the curriculum. It provides pupils with the opportunity and ability to experience and solve problems in everyday life by thinking creatively. Drawing on their knowledge and understanding from all areas of the curriculum enables them to apply numeracy, literacy and communication skills in hands on practical ways. The consolidation of learnt skills in combination with the acquisition of new experiences and skills within the Design & Technology Curriculum and the Cooking & Nutrition strand positively contributes to pupils gaining greater independence within their adult lives.