What does Design Technology look like at St Mark's?

 Design and Technology (D/T) forms an important part of the curriculum. We believe D/T education stimulates creativity and imagination through problem solving and the production of quality products. It inspires minds and enables children to use the skills from mathematics in a real-life situation.  To support this, we have decided that it should be taught  by being incorporated into other curriculum topics so that the children can make links and design a product that is purposeful and has meaning for them. 

DT is taught through 3 main stages:

I.D.E.A - Investigate, Disassemble, Evaluate and Analyse

F.P.T  - Focus Practical Tasks

D.M.A - Design and Make Assignment - children work to a brief, set by the class teacher.

Across their time here, they will make products and learn how to use a wide variety of tools, equipment, materials and components. 

Please see below for the Curriculum Plan, written by Subject Lead Mr Andy Sim.

What does "Mastery" in Design Technology look like?

What is Mastery?

A child’s ability to skilfully apply their learning in more in‐depth ways is called Mastery. Mastery is not just knowing a fact, but it is using that fact in increasingly more complex situations to extend their learning. Mastery also enables children to work in ways which show a deeper understanding of a given task.

What is Mastery in DT?

In the DT curriculum Mastery is when a child is able to plan, design and make an item to fulfil a given criteria. They would display a higher level of technical skill with a broad range of tools  and think of innovative ways to use this knowledge to enhance the outcome of their item. When evaluating their work they are more analytical and work independently to assess and improve their project.

How would a child’s Mastery of DT present itself?

1. Generating Ideas: Showing greater: complexity; research; observation; originality; perception; aspiration; creativity.
2. Making: Showing greater: technique; skill; control; complexity; mastery; quality; judgement; creativity.
3. Evaluating: Showing greater: judgement; autonomy; independence; perception; subtlety.
4. Knowledge: Showing greater: breadth; contextual understanding; explanation; judgement.

Top Tips for Parents...

Useful website for DT skills and tasks.