Design Technology

Intent

At Holy Cross, our intent for Design Technology (DT) is to provide a rich and dynamic curriculum that inspires creativity, encourages innovation, and fosters practical problem-solving skills in our pupils. Our core objectives include:

• We aim to nurture a culture of creativity where our pupils feel empowered to express their ideas and transform them into tangible products.
• We want our pupils to develop critical thinking and analytical skills through engagement in real-world challenges.
• We integrate principles of science, engineering, art, and technology, to ensure that our pupils see the relevance and application of DT in everyday life.
• We try to instil an understanding of sustainability within design technology, underpinned by our Catholic Social Teaching principles, to encourage our pupils to consider environmental impacts and ethical considerations of their designs.

Implementation

We have developed a robust and engaging Design Technology curriculum that links closely to our wider curriculum learning, and encompasses a wide range of experiences and learning opportunities throughout the school year:

• Our pupils engage with key skills such as designing, making, and evaluating, ensuring a balanced approach to both theoretical and practical aspects of DT.
• Our curriculum is delivered through topic-based learning, where pupils undertake specific design challenges that relate to their topics, such as history, geography or science.
• Our DT projects are integrated with other subjects, including mathematics, science, and art, promoting a holistic approach to learning. For instance, pupils may explore measurements in mathematics when designing products, or investigate materials science in conjunction with their science curriculum.
• In keeping with our charism of unity, we promote pupils working collaboratively within their classes. Where possible, we also aim to involve local businesses and community members in projects, providing real-world context and expertise.

Impact

The impact of our Design Technology curriculum is evident in pupil engagement, development of skills, and outcomes:

• Our pupils are highly engaged in their learning, showing enthusiasm for design technology. They take pride in their work and regularly express enthusiasm when discussing their projects.
• Our pupils demonstrate a range of practical skills and a growing understanding of the design process.
• Our pupils exhibit high levels of creativity. They confidently share their ideas and showcase their designs within class and through presentations.