INNOVATION IN DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

 

Design Technology at Langney Primary Academy develops children’s skills and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials (including food).  It encourages children’s creativity and encourages them to think about important issues.

 

Based on the National Curriculum Design Technology Programme of Study, children have the opportunity to develop skills, knowledge and understanding of designing and making functional products.  All Design Technology products have a purpose and children take into account their audience before making choices about their design. Through the appraisal and evaluation process, children have the opportunity to learn about products and how things work in order to inform their own innovative designs.

 

We nurture creativity and innovation through design, and by exploring the designed and made world in which we all live and work. 

BEING A CENTRE OF DESIGN TECHNOLOGY EXCELLENCE

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As a member of the Design and Technology Association the school strives to offer a high quality design, engineering and technology education.  Pupils develop designing and making skills and learn about electronics, engineering, CAD and robotics through our closely linked computing curriculum.  They also develop critical skills in problem-solving and team work.

 

The school uses a range of resources to support teachers implementing the Design Technology Programmes of Study including Projects On A Page, a scheme of work including 21 project planners.

 

As part of their work with food, pupils are taught how to cook and apply the principles of nutrition and healthy eating.  Each year group has a series of discrete cooking and nutrition lessons taught by a specialist, instilling not only a crucial life skill but also a love of cooking.  Children are taught a range of cooking techniques as well as about where food comes and seasonality.

TALENT DISCOVERY OF PUPILS IN DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

 

Design Technology lessons at Langney Primary enable children’s hidden talents to be unearthed and shared with their peers through a varied programme of study.  It offers the chance for pupils to experience decision making, risk taking and the freedom and independence to create their own product. 

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Design Technology also provides an accessible learning experience for all children.  In partnership with the local Langney Historic Priory, children showing talent in this area are invited to partake in construction projects at the priory workshop. 
 

A BALANCE BETWEEN EXCELLENCE AND ENJOYMENT IN DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

 

DT lessons at Langney Primary ensure that the breadth of the Design Technology curriculum, from investigating and evaluating existing products; designing and making activities in which children design and make ‘something’ for ‘somebody’ for ‘some purpose;’ to evaluating their own and others work.   The fact that lessons allow children to make their own decisions and take risks fosters a sense of excitement throughout the process. Children are given the support and encouragement needed to succeed in each phase of their Design Technology project and are extremely proud of their finished products.

RAISING ASPIRATIONS & LIFE CHANCES IN  DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

 

By learning about design in the everyday world we want our pupils to recognise that design is all around us, that it can come in many different forms and is created by all sorts of people. The world is full of products, multimedia and architectural design and we want our children to see there is no limit to their participation in shaping it. Skills covered through the teaching of DT include cooking, sewing, electrical and mechanical systems. This helps to prepare pupils for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. Such experiences may contribute to influencing their career choices as they gain experience in engineering, cooking, construction and textile design.

HEALTH & WELLBEING IN DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

 

Health and wellbeing is extremely important at Langney Primary and this is embedded within the teaching of Design Technology.  As children begin to make their own decisions and take risks they develop a sense of self awareness which helps to raise their self esteem. This is heightened further when children have completed their product and are proud of what they have achieved. Through the teaching of Design Technology, children are also taught that it is ok to  make mistakes and consequently develop their resilience.