Design & Technology Curriculum Statement 

Intent 

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. Students 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. 

The Design & Technology curriculum will: 

• encourage the development of the Academy’s values: wisdom, curiosity, generosity, courage and passion. 

• ensure that pupils are challenged, engaged and motivated to be able: 

• at a personal level, to develop increasing levels of self-worth and cultural capital 

• at an economic level, to contribute to the increasingly complex world of work 

• at a societal level, to play a meaningful role in their local, national and international communities. 

• develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks 

confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world 

• build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users 

• critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others 

• understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook. 

Implementation 

To implement the intended curriculum, a number conceptual and organisational frameworks are used: 

• Curriculum flightpaths identifies key knowledge and skills throughout KS3-5 

• Departmental SOWs balance knowledge and skills, carefully building components to create composite learning  

• Departmental curriculum review frameworks which supports the review of the curriculum offer and assessment practice. 

• Maximising Learning provides a supportive framework for the wider development of effective pedagogical approaches. 

• Language for Learning provides a framework to create and refine successful approaches to the teaching of Reading, Writing and Speaking.  

• Maximising Effectiveness provides a suite of CPD opportunities for staff within the academy to further generate an enthusiasm for and enjoyment of their professional practice. 

Impact 

The department’s continued focus on the curriculum improves: 

• the quality of education for all learners and groups of learners 

• the personal development and well-being of learners 

• the chances for pupils to move successfully onto the next stage of their lives. 

• The cultural, economic and societal capital to become citizens of the world 

Please click on the link below in order to access the KS3-5 curriculum map.

DT Curriculum