Our design and technology curriculum is designed to help students build a strong “design and technology schema” — a way of connecting and organising both design and technological knowledge in their long-term memory. It also supports students in achieving the goals set out in our Design and Technology Milestone Progression document (see below). Our approach follows a simple model:
- Breadth of study
The range of topics students will explore.
- Threshold concepts
The “big ideas” that run through every design and technology topic. These include:
- Master practical techniques – This concept involves developing the skills needed to make high-quality products. (We have highlighted a range of skills but they may be added to or changed as appropriate for your school.)
- Take inspiration from design – This concept involves appreciating the design process that has influenced the products we use in everyday life.
- Design, make, evaluate and improve – This concept involves developing the process of design thinking and seeing design as an iterative process
- Milestones
The key goals that show students are meeting the expectations of our curriculum.
We believe that children learn best when they develop a secure schema built on knowledge, vocabulary, and meaningful tasks, helping them to confidently reach these milestones.
