At Bluecoat Primary we have a Design and Technology curriculum which is purposeful, inspiring and practical. We understand that DT is more than just making; it involves investigating, evaluating, designing and creating.

• Our children will use their creativity and imagination to design and make products 

• They will think like designers - finding problems, developing critical thinking and offering solutions

• From EYFS through to Year 6, our children will experiment with mechanisms and movement, building on their existing knowledge as they go

• We plan for all children to acquire appropriate subject knowledge, skills and understanding as set out in the National Curriculum

• With the implementation of Curriculum Maestro, we will create strong cross curricular links with other subjects such as ICT, Mathematics, Science and Art. 

At Bluecoat Primary we believe Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning. Throughout the EYFS and Chapter 1, pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child initiated and adult directed activities. 

They have the opportunities to learn to:

• Use different media and materials to express their own ideas

• Use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about form, function and purpose 

• Make plans and construct with a purpose in mind using a variety of resources

• Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques appropriately, effectively and safely

• Select appropriate resources for a product and adapt their work where necessary

• Cook and prepare food adhering to good health and hygiene routines

Having developed their DT skills Understanding the World and Expressive Art and Design, children continue to be taught a high-quality and creative curriculum as they continue their school journey. 

This is implemented through: 

• Well planned and resourced projects accessed through Maestro, providing children with hands-on and enriching experiences

• A range of skills being taught to ensure that children are aware of health and safety issues related to tasks that are undertaken

• Ownership and flexibility to plan for Design and Technology; often teaching DT as a block of lessons to allow the time needed for the children to be inventive, critical and reflective on their work

• The projects available to teachers addressing principles of designing, making and evaluation; incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding in relevant and cross curricular contexts

• Children being introduced to specific designers, chefs, nutritionists and more, to help them gain an appreciation of human creativity and achievement and increase the cultural capital from which they can draw from in the future

• Children will have a clear enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology that they then apply to other areas of their learning

• Through carefully planned and implemented learning experiences the pupils will develop their creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate in an increasingly technological world

• They will gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to equip them appropriately to take on future challenges

• Pupils skills and knowledge are assessed regularly by the class teacher, using formative assessment during lessons; pupils’ evaluations and discussions 

• Coverage is monitored by subject leads, which alongside book scrutiny and pupil voice, forms a triangle of evidence to show the impact of teaching and learning

• EYFS/Chapter 1 pupils’ progress and attainment tells us whether each individual child is emerging, expected or exceeding for their age