Design and Technology
Design and Technology Lead: Mrs Howarth
At Holden Clough Primary School, our Design and Technology (DT) curriculum encourages pupils to become innovative problem solvers and creative thinkers. Through hands-on projects, we provide every child with the opportunity to explore, design, and create, while developing practical skills that will be valuable for their future. We follow the Kapow Primary scheme, a structured and engaging approach that ensures pupils progress in their DT knowledge and skills as they move through the school.
We are also fortunate to have a fully equipped DT room, complete with a range of tools and materials that enable children to work on exciting, real-world projects. This dedicated space allows our pupils to explore their creativity, experiment with different techniques, and produce high-quality work in a safe and stimulating environment.
Intent
Our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to:
Encourage creativity, innovation, and problem-solving by giving children the opportunity to design and make products with a real purpose.
Develop practical skills and technical knowledge, from crafting and construction to using tools and digital technologies.
Promote collaboration and teamwork, allowing pupils to work together on projects, share ideas, and evaluate outcomes.
Foster resilience, as children learn to adapt their designs, overcome challenges, and reflect on their progress.
Equip pupils with the knowledge and skills they need to understand how DT applies to the real world, from architecture and engineering to food technology and digital design.
We aim to inspire the next generation of designers, engineers, and makers by encouraging a passion for innovation and creativity.
Implementation
We use the Kapow Primary scheme to deliver an engaging and comprehensive DT curriculum that covers a wide range of skills and topics. Here’s how we bring Design and Technology to life at Holden Clough:
Hands-On Projects: Pupils engage in a variety of practical projects, from designing and building models to crafting products that solve real-world problems.
Structured Learning Pathway: The Kapow scheme ensures a clear progression of skills, with pupils building on their DT knowledge each year, learning to plan, design, make, and evaluate their work.
Creative Problem-Solving: Children are encouraged to think creatively, develop solutions, and explore new ideas, whether they’re constructing a bridge or designing a new type of packaging.
Food Technology: Pupils explore cooking and nutrition, learning essential life skills such as preparing food, understanding where ingredients come from, and making healthy choices. (We use a bespoke Food Technology curriculum).
STEM Integration: Our DT curriculum complements our focus on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by encouraging pupils to think critically and understand the role of technology in everyday life.
Tools and Techniques: Pupils learn to use a wide range of tools and materials safely, from cutting and shaping to joining and finishing, all under careful guidance.
Cross-Curricular Links: DT is often linked with other subjects, such as Maths, Science, and Art, providing a holistic learning experience that connects practical skills with academic knowledge.
The Kapow scheme’s rich resources, video tutorials, and lesson plans enable our teachers to deliver high-quality lessons that engage and challenge every child, regardless of their ability.
Impact
The impact of our DT curriculum is evident in the skills, confidence, and enthusiasm that pupils demonstrate:
Creative and Practical Skills: Children develop a range of practical and creative skills, from sketching and prototyping to using tools and materials with precision.
Problem-Solving and Innovation: Pupils become confident problem solvers, able to approach tasks creatively, think critically, and adapt their designs as needed.
Collaboration and Communication: Through group projects and peer evaluation, children learn to work effectively as part of a team, sharing ideas and supporting one another.
Resilience and Reflection: Pupils learn the value of persistence and resilience as they work through challenges and reflect on how to improve their designs.
Real-World Understanding: Our pupils gain a deeper understanding of how Design and Technology influences the world around them, from the products we use daily to the buildings we live in.
At Holden Clough, we aim to provide every child with the skills, creativity, and confidence they need to become successful designers, innovators, and problem solvers.
To find out more about the curriculum your school is following please contact the school office mail@holdenclough.tameside.sch.uk