Welcome to the Design Technology (D.T.) area of our website!

The subject leader for Design Technology at St James' is Miss Smith. 

Our Christian Vision for D.T:

In D.T children are encouraged to look at what exists in the world around them, giving them opportunities to appreciate the world.  Children will develop a love of learning through an engaging,  variety of projects and have the ability to explore individual ideas whilst in a safe, supportive environment.  Through research, practice, creativity, and evaluation, each child at St James’ will gain confidence in their own achievements and the ability to question and improve. Every child is encouraged to adopt new skills and further their knowledge ensuring the D.T at St James’ is inclusive and embracing for all children, allowing them to prosper.

Everything in the world that we live in has been designed. In our modern lives, things are being designed to make our lives easier and more fruitful. As time continues, these products are reviewed, analysed and then redesigned to meet the needs of the people now. Our children will experience this process of reviewing what there currently is, developing it and then create a new version of it. This is design. The children will use a range of materials and tools to enable them to convert their design ideas into a product. They will learn that the process does not work successfully first every time and that changes and alterations may be appropriate to achieve the desired outcome. 

Subject Overview:

D.T is taught in every year at St. James and follows the national curriculum. We use Kapow's condensed scheme to deliver our D.T curriculum. This means that the children will complete one D.T unit every term (three in total throughout the year) but everything the children need to learn and develop as outlined in the national curriculum is covered. Skills and knowledge are intertwined with topics covered throughout the year alongside learning about famous and important architects and designers.

The children will be given the opportunity to learn and develop design and technology skills and the chance to explore their own creativity and evaluate both their own work and others. 

Where Does D.T Begin at St James'?

Reception follow the EYFS framework, which is structured very differently to the national curriculum. It is organised across seven areas of learning rather than subject areas. The most relevant areas of learning for D.T are: Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Physical Development, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

In EYFS, D.T is taught through exploration, curiosity and first-hand experiences that help children make sense of the world around them. Pupils begin to develop an understanding of their immediate environment through play, outdoor learning, stories, photographs and discussion. Children are encouraged to select and use different activities and resources, use large muscle movements, use one handed tools and equipment and explore how things work.

Through meaningful experiences and rich vocabulary, children are encouraged to ask questions, notice similarities and differences, and develop an awareness of people, places and communities beyond their own. D.T in EYFS lays the foundations for children to become inquisitive, observant and respectful global citizens.