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:

• Creativity and Innovation: We aim to nurture a culture of creativity where our pupils feel empowered to express their ideas and transform them into tangible products.
• Problem-Solving Skills: We want out pupils to develop critical thinking and analytical skills through engagement in real-world challenges.
• Interdisciplinary Learning: We integrate principles of science, engineering, art, and technology, to ensure that our pupils see the relevance and application of DT in everyday life.
• Sustainability Awareness: 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

To realise our intention, 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:

• Skill Development: Our pupils engage with key skills such as designing, making, and evaluating, ensuring a balanced approach to both theoretical and practical aspects of DT.
• Project-Based Learning: 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.
• Cross-Curricular Links: 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.
• Collaboration and Community Engagement: 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:

• Pupil Engagement and Enjoyment: 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.
• Skill Acquisition: Our pupils demonstrate a broad range of practical skills and a growing understanding of the design process.
• Creativity and Confidence: Our pupils exhibit high levels of creativity. They confidently share their ideas and showcase their designs within class and through presentations.