DT Curriculum (Herne Junior School)
At Herne Junior School, we aim to provide an inspiring, rigorous and practical DT Curriculum. 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. They acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art as well as ‘weaving magic’ (inspired by Sir John Jones) through interesting and inspiring lessons. Our pupils will learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising, independent and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. We believe that high-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth and well-being of the nation. We aim to link all our DT to our thematic curriculum to make it an immersive experience for all the children.
The teaching of Design Technology across the school follows the National Curriculum. Pupils design products with a purpose and an intended user in mind. They are taught key knowledge and skills within a spiraling curriculum which focuses on textiles, mechanisms, structures, electrical systems and food. Food technology is implemented across the school with pupils developing an understanding of where food comes from, the importance of a varied and healthy diet and how to prepare this. Design and technology is taught as part of an integrated curriculum and care is taken to ensure that strong cross–curricular links are made. Children are encouraged to think creatively and work together to show collaboration and resilience.
Year 3 - Cooking and Nutrition (Healthy Pasta Salads), Structures (Wooden Roman Photo Frame), Textiles (Christmas Decoration).
Year 4 - Electrical Systems (Imaginary Worlds), Structures (Anglo-Saxon Houses), Textiles (Mini-Beast Bookmarks).
Year 5 - Cooking and Nutrition (South Downs Omelette), Mechanical Systems (Mars Buggies), Structures (Greek Temples), Textiles (Greek Tapestry).
Year 6 - Cooking and Nutrition (Mayan Flatbreads), Electrical Systems (Controllable Vehicles), Textiles (Christmas Puppets).
When pupils leave Herne Junior School, their learning in design and technology will have enabled them to become confident at designing, making and evaluating products with a specific purpose and user in mind. They will have good knowledge and skills of working with textiles, mechanisms, structures, electrical systems and food. Pupils will have a good understanding of how other subjects e.g. science, maths and computing link with design and technology and will be able to apply this knowledge and understanding when designing, making and evaluating products. Children will have a love for DT and have an awareness of the career opportunities that design and technology may lead to (including STEM) and develop a love for lifelong learning.
“The best design is the simplest one that works.”