At Leigh Academy Milestone, we value Design and Technology as a vital component of the Primary Years Programme (PYP). We aim to foster in every child a passion for learning and creativity, empowering them to reach their full potential. We believe that high-quality, inquiry-based teaching and learning in Design and Technology is fundamental to our school’s mission.
Through Design and Technology, we strive to provide our students with the tools to understand the world around them and develop essential skills for their age and stage. We integrate Design and Technology with other key subjects such as Mathematics, Art, Science, IT, and Geography, to create a holistic and interconnected learning experience.
Our Design and Technology program aligns with the PYP transdisciplinary themes and unit cycles. Students will engage in the design process, from initial brainstorming to final evaluation, applying their technological knowledge at each stage. By integrating Design and Technology into the PYP, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become innovative, responsible, and lifelong learners.
Key Focus Areas:
- Culinary Arts:
- Students will learn basic cooking skills and explore the principles of nutrition and healthy eating.
- We aim to instill a love of cooking and empower students to feed themselves independently.
- Students will consider the environmental and ethical implications of food choices, promoting sustainable practices.
- Design and Making:
- Students will engage in hands-on design and making activities, applying their creativity and problem-solving skills.
- Students will explore a variety of materials and techniques, developing a strong foundation in technological knowledge.
- Students will learn to evaluate their designs and make improvements based on feedback.
- We aim to provide pupils with a Design and Technology curriculum which is relevant in our rapidly changing world.
- We encourage our pupils to become problem solvers who can work creatively. We know that high-quality DT lessons will inspire children to think independently, innovatively and develop creative, procedural and technical understanding.
- Our DT curriculum provides children with opportunities to research, generate ideas and represent them in a number of ways, explore and investigate, develop their ideas, make a product and evaluate their work.
- Through the use of technology, pupils will use their ICT to design, monitor and control their products.
- Pupils will be exposed to a wide range of media and through this they will develop their knowledge, skills, vocabulary and resilience.
The teaching and implementation of the Design and Technology Curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and linked to our Units of Inquiry to ensure a well-structured approach. It is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject, requiring creativity, resourcefulness, and imagination.
- DT is interleaved within units of inquiry, allowing them authentic opportunities to learn about key concepts, skills and knowledge of art and design .
- Pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts.
- High quality teaching responds to the needs of children, with adaptations made to encourage high levels of independence and involvement.
- Misconceptions are identified through a range of assessments for learning strategies, to ensure any gaps in knowledge are identified and addressed.
- Presentation skills will be taught to ensure that students are taking pride in their design work and in work that may be shared as part of a whole class activity.
- Where appropriate students are confident in explaining their design work to peers and teachers and acknowledge feedback as a measure of driving work and progress forward and not a criticism to hold on to.
- Students have a clear understanding of basic health and safety procedures and how this is linked to the equipment that they use during practical sessions.
- Students are confident when using equipment and understand and explain simple manufacturing processes that have been taught when completing any practical element.
- Assessment of children’s learning in Design Technology is an ongoing monitoring of children’s understanding, knowledge and skills by the class teacher, throughout lessons. This assessment is then used to inform further support and challenge required by the student.
- Pupils will be able to act as responsible designers; working safely with tools and equipment.
- Pupils will have developed a passion, enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology which they can then apply to other aspects of the curriculum, beyond school into adulthood.
- Studying historical designs: Analyzing ancient artifacts, such as tools, pottery, or textiles, can provide insights into past cultures and their values.
- Exploring traditional crafts: Learning about traditional crafts like weaving, pottery, or woodworking can connect students to their cultural heritage.
- Designing products for specific cultural contexts: Students can design products that address the needs of different cultures, such as designing clothing for people with disabilities or creating sustainable products for developing countries.
- Using digital tools to create cultural products: Students can use digital tools to create music, art, or animations that reflect their cultural identity.
Career Pathways:
- Engineering: Civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering are all fields that benefit from a strong foundation in D&T.
- Architecture and Design: Interior design, product design, and architecture are creative fields that require a keen eye for detail and problem-solving skills.
- Technology: Robotics, artificial intelligence, and computer science are rapidly growing fields that demand a solid understanding of technology and innovation.
- Manufacturing: Careers in manufacturing, such as engineering technician or production manager, require practical skills and knowledge of design processes.
Workplace Skills:
- Problem-solving: D&T projects often involve identifying problems, brainstorming solutions, and testing them.
- Creativity: Designing and making products requires imagination and innovation.
- Teamwork: Collaborative projects in D&T foster teamwork and communication skills.
- Technical Skills: Using tools, software, and equipment develops technical proficiency.
- Attention to detail: Precision and accuracy are essential in D&T, leading to a strong work ethic.
Career Pathways:
- Culinary Arts: Becoming a chef, pastry chef, or food stylist requires culinary skills and a passion for food.
- Food Science: Researching food science or food technology can lead to careers in food development, quality control, or food safety.
- Nutrition: A career in nutrition involves advising people on healthy eating habits and creating dietary plans.
- Food Business: Starting your own food business, such as a restaurant, bakery, or catering service, can be a rewarding entrepreneurial path.
Workplace Skills:
- Organization: Planning meals, managing ingredients, and following recipes require strong organizational skills.
- Time management: Efficiently managing time in the kitchen is essential for success.
- Hygiene and Safety: Adhering to food safety and hygiene regulations is crucial in the food industry.
- Communication: Effective communication with colleagues and customers is vital in culinary roles.
- Attention to detail: Precision in measurements, cooking times, and presentation is key.
By studying D&T and Cooking & Nutrition, students develop a strong foundation of knowledge and skills that are highly valued in the workplace. These subjects can open doors to a variety of exciting career opportunities and equip students with the tools to succeed in the 21st-century workforce.