Design and Technology is an inspiring, practical subject that encourages the children at Forest View to think creatively and imaginatively.  Our topic based learning approach encourages children to design and make products that solve some real and relevant problems, considering their own and others needs and wants.

A cross curricular approach means we aim, wherever possible to link work with other subjects such as maths, science, ICT and art.

Children should leave our school with; the willingness to take creative risks in order to produce innovative ideas, a sound knowledge of which tools and equipment they should use and why, and the ability to evaluate and test their ideas and products. We also aim to foster enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose in their design making.

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the design and making process.  Design and Technology is taught through the KS1 and KS2 National Curriculum. In EYFS the pupils are encouraged to explore and use a variety of media and materials through a combination of child led and adult directed activities.

Key Skills and knowledge have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups. These end points have been broken down into the following headings.

• Design
• Make
• Evaluate
• Technical Knowledge 

We judge the success of our Design and Technology curriculum in the following ways;

- End points are used as a means of ensuring progression of skills and knowledge throughout the school

- Pupil Conferencing- are the children happy, engaged, motivated to do well and challenged within the subject? Are they happy to clearly express their opinions about DT?

- Photographs and examples of work are collected to show progression through the year groups

- The DT subject leader can articulate and explain progression of skills through from EYFS to Year 6.

In Design and Technology, all pupils are supported to access age-appropriate learning through a highly practical, hands-on curriculum that develops confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills. Teachers use clear modelling, demonstrations, visual aids and step-by-step instructions to ensure that new skills and concepts are accessible to all learners. Key vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited, while learning tasks are carefully scaffolded to enable every child to participate successfully and make progress from their individual starting points.

Where pupils require additional support, teachers provide targeted adult guidance, adapted resources and additional modelling. Tasks can be broken down into smaller, manageable steps, and a range of tools, materials and recording methods are used to meet individual needs. Collaborative working and regular feedback help children develop independence and resilience, ensuring that all pupils, including those with SEND and those at risk of falling behind, can access the curriculum, achieve success and develop the knowledge and skills needed to become confident designers and makers.

Design and Technology provides pupils with exciting opportunities to apply their learning in real-world contexts that extend beyond the National Curriculum. Throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, children engage in practical design challenges that encourage creativity, innovation and problem-solving. An annual K'NEX Challenge encourages children to explore engineering, design and construction through collaborative problem-solving activities, inspiring creativity and innovation. Pupils are given opportunities to design and make products for genuine purposes, helping them understand the impact of design and technology in everyday life while developing resilience, teamwork and critical thinking skills.

To further enrich the curriculum, pupils take part in themed STEM activities and cross-curricular projects that connect learning to the wider world. Where possible, visitors, educational visits and special events are used to deepen pupils' understanding of design and technology. manufacturing, architecture, food technology and product design. Through a wide range of engaging and memorable experiences, pupils develop curiosity, confidence and a lifelong appreciation of the role Design and Technology plays in shaping the world around them.