Design and Technology

At Wrangle Primary Academy, our Design and Technology (DT) curriculum develops independent working skills, creative problem-solving and the ability to think as an individual and as part of a team. Children will have opportunities to develop a range of ideas and design and make products and systems for a variety of purposes. Our children will be knowledgeable and curious through the projects studied which will allow children to explore the various elements of Design and Technology. Where possible, projects will make reference to notable designers and inventors both historically and in the present day. As designers, we aim for children to be encouraged to develop their resilience and perseverance through learning from mistakes (their own and those of others) and  evaluating and improving their work with an understanding that their initial ideas may not always be successful. As a result of our aspirational curriculum, children will be excited to become designers and creators! They will design and make products and systems for identified real and meaningful purposes. They will be given first-hand experiences and opportunities where possible.

The teaching and implementation of the Design Technology Curriculum at Wrangle Primary Academy is based on the National Curriculum which ensures that skills and knowledge are built on year by year and sequenced appropriately to maximise learning for all children. This has been adapted to include links to cultural and historical references wherever possible. The work of famous local, national and international artists, craft makers and engineers are explored to enhance the children’s learning in each unit. The teaching of DT follows the design, make and evaluate cycle.

Design Technology is taught over 3 half terms each year. Our focus areas, studied over a 2 year cycle, are: food, textiles, structures, mechanisms and electrical systems (KS2). This begins at an early age with investigation or objects and processes- exploring the properties of materials and the theory of cause and effect. As children grow their understanding of differences in choice, design, creation and evaluation develops, allowing them to think critically about products for example designing and making a pencil case in Key Stage 2.  They then have the tools to make their own choices and improve upon their errors.

As a result of our engaging curriculum offer, the children of Wrangle Primary Academy will leave ready to further their learning and develop their skills in Key stage 3. They will know the process of design and the importance of evaluating their projects. Children will develop not only as designers but as builders, cooks, sewers, consumers and electricians. They will be excited to take on new projects and understand the importance of the design process.