Design Technology Policy

Design Technology is a largely practical subject which is concerned with understanding and exploring the way in which things work. It involves designing, manufacturing and evaluating products using appropriate tools and materials and solving the problems which are encountered in this process.

Aims and Objectives

We aim to help our children to;

* develop technological awareness,

* use tools and equipment safely,

* understand the importance of careful planning,

* develop the ability to choose appropriate tools and materials,

* develop the ability to think critically,

* evaluate and modify their designs,

* apply their creativity to practical situations,

* work co-operatively with other children,

Design Technology Experiences

Children should have the opportunity to;

* disassemble, investigate and evaluate simple products,

* use a wide range of materials including clay, paper, wood, cardboard, string, modroc, construction kits, textiles, food, recycled products, electrical and mechanical components.

Children should be taught to;

* understand the limitations and consequences of both the design and the

materials used,

* understand the hazards and risks associated with Design Technology activities.

Design Technology should provide all pupils with the opportunity to develop new skills. These should include;

* cutting * modelling * scoring

* joining * measuring * testing

Salford LEA's recommended list of 'Materials, Tools and Techniques' should be used as an aid to planning Design Technology activities.

Classroom Management

The vast majority of Design Technology activities will take place within the classroom. The practical aspects of this subject will usually be taught to groups of children rather than the whole class.

Assessment and Record Keeping

Assessment of pupils' performance will influence the pace at which new skills and techniques are introduced. There should be evidence of continuity and progression in teachers' planning. Assessment of pupils' achievement will include;

* pupils' self-assessment

* teacher assessment

* pupils' observation of one another's work

Children's designs and evaluations (and, where appropriate, samples of children's models/designs) will be kept as evidence of achievement and progress. These will help to inform teachers' judgments for the end of year reports.

Cross-Curricular Issues

Design Technology is cross curricular in nature and is used to enhance and broaden our curriculum provision (particularly Mathematics, Science and Art). It also provides opportunities to develop communication skills and economic and industrial awareness.

Special Needs

The Design Technology curriculum often provides opportunities for the less academically able child to succeed. It also provides the opportunity for all children to develop attitudes such as self-worth and respect for others and the environment.

Support is provided for those children whose physical disabilities might otherwise prevent their involvement.

Equal Opportunities

Certain aspects of Design Technology have traditionally been taught in gender segregated groups (eg. cookery, woodwork). We aim to give all of our pupils access to the whole range of activities within the Design Technology curriculum and do not organise single sex groups for this, or any other, area of the curriculum.

Monitoring and Evaluation

The coordinator and headteacher are responsible for monitoring and evaluating the Design Technology curriculum. Teachers also evaluate their work as part of their short and long term planning.

This policy will be re-examined and adapted to meet changing school needs and statutory requirements.