Learning encourages children's creativity, and encourages them to think creatively about important issues.

Design Technology at Croyland Primary School

The National Curriculum states that Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. Using creativity and imagination, pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Pupils learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Our Design Technology curriculum is built using our school curriculum drivers, and ensures that children have a rich cultural capital. It builds upon their prior learning, and their enthusiasm for learning new skills in a creative manner.

At Croyland, we have created a long term plan, which develops skills progressively across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. In developing a curriculum for the children at Croyland, we have used the Chris Quigley knowledge webs to assist in this process. This ensures that children can build upon previously learnt skills; and develop their knowledge, skills and understanding of developing a product to meet the needs of the user. Using Chris Quigley ensures that the pitch of the learning is high, and provides teachers with appropriate support in developing their own subject knowledge. Alongside the units which have been developed using Chris Quigley, we have also developed some units to support the development of fine motor skills. There are units in Year 1-Year 3 which are based around sewing, which provide children with opportunities to rehearse their fine motor skills in an engaging and purposeful manner.

We believe that all children can thrive in subjects such as Design Technology, where it isn't just about developing a curriculum knowledge. It encourages children to be problem solvers, and think creatively about how to meet a need. It encourages collaboration and teamwork, and can develop skills which will aid them in later life e.g. food technology and food safety skills.