LUDDENDENFOOT J&I SCHOOL

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY

Introduction

The teaching of Design and Technology will be in keeping with the aims of the school.  In particular:

• To provide stimulating Design and Technology experiences which will teach pupils skills for life.
• Develop an awareness of the implications of Design and Technology for the individual, the community and the environment.
• Develop our pupils powers to solve problems, make decisions and to feel they can change and improve their world.

Aims

Experiences in Design and technology should:

• Develop proficiency in investigating, designing, manufacturing and evaluating.
• Provide extension of knowledge, understanding and skills, as pupils design and make products.
• Provide opportunities to investigate properties and qualities of a range of materials, components and fastenings.
• Develop an awareness of the need to evaluate products against agreed criteria, and to justify choice of materials, tools, techniques and modifications.
• Develop the ability and experience of working with food, textiles, mechanisms, resistant materials and electronics.
• Develop the ability to work with enjoyment, commitment and increased concentration whilst working independently or as part of a team.
• Develop an awareness of design and products, past and present, and from other cultures.  Wherever possible link it to a designer.

Broad Guidelines for the teaching of the subject

The QCA scheme of work for Design and Technology will be used in line with the school schemes of work.  Pupils should be encouraged to link their experiences in Design and Technology to other subjects, particularly Art, Maths, Geography and Science.  By providing a scheme of work, which ensures that contents stated in the National Curriculum are covered at each Key Stage, with continuity and progression, the following will be achieved:

• Designing and making skills will develop alongside children’s knowledge and understanding.
•  Pupils will have experience of the range of activities specified in the order.
• Progression will be ensured over each Key Stage.
•  Planning, recording and assessing will be in-built and meaningful.

Resources

Resources needed to cover the scheme of work will be available to pupils.

Most resources are stored and labelled in the resource room with access for class teachers and non-teaching staff.

It is the responsibility of each class teacher to make sure the appropriate resources for any project are available for children in the classroom, (resource sheets showing which resources are needed are in DT Co-ordinators file).

Equal Opportunities

The teaching of Design and Technology should reflect the school’s aims of giving equal opportunities to all pupils, regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability or level of attainment.  We will endeavour to provide pupils with S.E.N. appropriate support to enable them to take a full part in the Design and Technology curriculum.

Health and Safety

Pupils will be encouraged to develop a clear understanding of safe working practices, in an environment where they are invited to share the responsibility for maintaining a high standard of safety.

Safety rules for the use of tools will by understood by staff and pupils and will be constantly referred to each time the tools and equipment implicated are used.

Children will learn hygiene rules, which will be implemented each time a food project is being undertaken.

BESAFE Guidelines to be followed.

Reference to safety advice to be found in the QCA scheme where relevant.

Assessment and Recording

This is the responsibility of each class teacher. 

Pupils will be assessed half termly using QCA expectations of must, could and should.  Foundation Stage will be assessed linked to profiles.

Objectives in the scheme of work and National Curriculum descriptions.

Evidence of attainment can be collected in a variety of ways - tables, drawings, photographs, audiotapes etc.

DT Co-ordinator collects a bank of evidence in DT file.

Evidence should be kept in class assessment file..

The Role of the Co-ordinator

The co-ordinator will be responsible for the implementation of the policy, under the direction of the Head Teacher.

They will be responsible for ensuring an adequate level of resources, and also for the dissemination of new information concerning teaching and resources.

Keep all other staff up to date with up to date information from DT associations, e.g. Data etc.

Evaluation

All staff will have a copy of the policy.  Any issues arising from the implementation of the policy or the teaching of Design and Technology can be raised at staff meetings.

Residential Artists/Skilled Workers

Wherever possible visitors will be welcome in school to aid the learning of DT skills

Review

The policy will be reviewed in line with the S.D.P.  All staff and governors will be included in the procedure.