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DT

DT Intent

‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13)

With fun and learning, hand in hand, all things are possible.’

 “People who say it can not be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” – George Bernard Shaw

"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art." - François de La Rochefoucauld

At Archbishop Benson, we strive to teach each child to see themselves as a designer and creative problem solver. We aim to provide rich and varied, hands on opportunities that encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. We believe that this inspiring, rigorous and practical subject prepares children to take part in the development of tomorrow’s rapidly changing world. 

Through a variety of practical activities in each year group, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in an iterative process of designing and making. The children design and create products that consider function and purpose and which are relevant to a range of sectors (for example, the home, school, leisure, culture, enterprise, industry and the wider environment). The children evaluate their products against their design criteria, focusing on ways in which improvements can be made.

Design and Technology at Archbishop Benson encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. Closely linked to our school values, the curriculum motivates them to identify their own and others’ needs, wants and values and to respond by developing ideas, creating products and inspiring them to become future change makers. We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.

As children progress through the school, they are equipped with key skills and knowledge for design and  technology, that build on prior learning, showing progression year on year. Design and Technology lessons are also taught as a block so that children’s learning is focused throughout each unit of work. Pupils will be challenged and inspired to be creative and encouraged to become active, independent learners. Children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens. Archbishop Benson values high-quality design and technology education as it makes essential contributions to the creativity, culture, wealth and the well-being of a nation.

We seek to

  • foster enjoyment, satisfaction and purpose in designing and making.
  • deliver the aims of the National Curriculum: co-operate, plan, design, make and evaluate.
  • lead children into discovery, through practical learning opportunities where they can apply knowledge and skills from other subjects (including art, language, mathematics, science, computing) and learn to make their own decisions.
  • motivate and encourage children to master important life skills, such as using kitchen tools to make healthy food products or developing a resilient approach to solving design problems.
  • recognise how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped to shape the world.