Design & Technology

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous 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. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation.

Currently, we use separate individual Cornerstones design and technology topics, which lead into progression over the four years a pupil is at Westfield Junior School.   

• The progression of knowledge and skills through the key stage will be a key area of focus this year to ensure that there is a logical development and mastery of skills to support children to take their learning to the next level as they progress through the key stages.
• Emphasis will be on the ‘how’ children learn, developing their independence and creativity within the subject. This will be reflected in the development and implementation of resources to support project-based learning in a variety of contexts.

Knowledge of famous designers is limited overall, and this could be a starting point for research into key designers linked to projects and making links with local designers to learn from experts in the field.