Design Technology
Vision
At Holly House School, our Design and Technology curriculum provides pupils with engaging opportunities to design, make and evaluate purposeful products. Through practical experiences, pupils develop creativity, problem-solving skills, resilience and confidence, alongside the practical knowledge and independence needed for future learning and everyday life.
Intent
Our curriculum is ambitious, inclusive and adapted to pupils’ individual starting points and needs. Through designing, modelling and making activities, pupils learn to:
- Understand users, needs and design briefs.
- Generate, communicate and develop ideas.
- Select and use materials, tools and equipment safely.
- Develop practical making skills and techniques.
- Apply problem-solving skills to practical challenges.
- Evaluate and improve products.
- Build confidence, independence and resilience through practical success.
The curriculum helps pupils develop creative solutions and understand how Design and Technology relates to everyday life.
Implementation
Design and Technology is delivered through practical projects and structured skills-based activities that balance designing, making, technical knowledge and evaluation. Safe working practices and practical skill development are central to all learning. Pupils learn through demonstrations, supported experimentation and opportunities to evaluate their work. Teachers use visual support and carefully sequenced tasks to make learning accessible, while encouraging pupils to challenge themselves and develop independence. Where appropriate, focused classroom activities develop understanding of specific materials, processes and technical concepts. Assessment is ongoing through observation, discussion, design work, practical outcomes and evaluation. This information is used to identify progress and plan appropriate next steps.
Impact
By the end of Year 9, pupils will:
- Work safely and responsibly in a workshop environment.
- Use a range of tools, equipment and materials with increasing confidence.
- Design, make and evaluate purposeful products.
- Apply practical and creative problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrate resilience and increasing independence.
- Recognise their strengths and achievements.
- Take pride in the products they create and the progress they make.
Pupils will leave Holly House School with greater confidence in their practical abilities, a positive understanding of their capabilities and a foundation for future education, employment and everyday life.
Design Technology - Curriculum Delivery
design technology ks2 3 curriculum delivery.pdf
Design Technology - Knowledge and Skills Mapping
design technology knowledge and skills mapping.pdf
