Design Technology

Our Design Technology (DT) Intent

'At Holywell Village First School we have high aspirations for our children to become well-rounded and responsible future citizens. They are happy, independent and have positive self-esteem. Our children have a thirst for learning. They are curious about the world around them and are confident to ‘have a go’. They are reflective learners who persevere and demonstrate good communication and social skills. They are thoughtful, caring and kind. '

Holywell First School’s DT curriculum is designed with the intent of nurturing happy, independent learners who are curious and have a thirst for knowledge. Through our engaging DT curriculum,  the children develop technical skills, problem solving and practical life skills to make them successful citizens. The children have the opportunity to be creative and imaginative through our broad and creative topics and acquire knowledge that is built upon prior learning and experiences in our school.

Our high quality design and technology curriculum supports and challenges children throughout the ‘design, make and evaluate’ process where children solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

Holywell First School design and technology intent is to ensure that all children:

  • Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world
  • Build and apply a repertoire of knowledge and skills in order to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users
  • Critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others .
  • Understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook

The children acquire a broad range of subject knowledge, technical vocabulary and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art. Children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative and enterprising.

Our DT Curriculum Implementation

DT is  implemented  through meaningful and relative lessons in which, children are taught through the three phases of designing, making and evaluating their own products.  As children progress through the school, they are presented with opportunities to develop these skills.

Foundation Stage

Through child initiated learning the children will:

  • Recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools.
  • Select and use technology for particular purposes.
  • Build confidence to try new activities, and say why they like some activities more than others.
  • Speak in a familiar group, will talk about their ideas, and will choose the resources they need for their chosen activities. They will say when they do or don’t need help.
  • Follow instructions involving several ideas or actions.
  • Answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response activities.
  • Handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.

What Makes Our DT Unique? 

At Holywell First School we have worked hard to develop an inclusive curriculum with strong links to our community and church making learning engaging and relevant. The children have the opportunity to design make and evaluate through a range of diverse and community led projects such as:

Summer fair

Christmas fair

Festival of Lights. (Celebration of Hinduism)

Holywell Helpers Scarecrow Project