Design & Technology

At Gorsefield Primary School, we follow the 'Learning Without Limits' (LWL) curriculum, which provides an exciting and engaging approach to Design and Technology (D&T) for students from Nursery to 6. Our D&T program inspires creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning, helping children grow into confident and inventive individuals.

How D&T is Taught

Our Design and Technology curriculum is delivered in structured blocks to allow for deeper exploration of concepts and skills. Here's how we structure learning in D&T:

Long Term Planning

6 Lessons in a Block: D&T is taught in blocks of six lessons, which are spread over every other half term, allowing students to fully immerse themselves in their projects.
Half Term Blocks: This alternating half-term structure ensures students have dedicated time to focus on D&T while also integrating it smoothly with other subjects.
Progression of Disciplinary Concepts and Skills Mapped: Each year, skills and concepts are carefully mapped out to ensure progression across the key stages. This allows students to build on previous learning as they move from Nursery to Year 6.
Key Figures Mapped: Influential designers, engineers, and inventors are highlighted throughout the curriculum. These figures are linked to the three strands of the LWL curriculum, inspiring students with real-world examples of innovation and creativity.

Medium Term Planning

The structure of each block of six lessons ensures students develop a deep understanding of the subject, with a clear progression from introduction to evaluation. Each week has a specific focus:

Week 1: Introduction – Students are introduced to the project, its purpose, and the key concepts they will explore.
Week 2: Skill/ Knowledge and Vocabulary Focus Lesson – Lessons focus on developing specific skills or knowledge. Key vocabulary is introduced to build understanding.
Week 3: Skill/ Knowledge and Vocabulary Focus Lesson – Building on the previous week, further skills and knowledge are developed with continued focus on subject-specific vocabulary.
Week 4: Skill/ Knowledge and Vocabulary Focus Lesson – Students refine their understanding, applying newly learned skills and expanding their vocabulary.
Week 5: Design – Pupils apply their learning to design their own product or solution, thinking about function, purpose, and user needs.
Week 6: Skill Application and Evaluation – Students create their final product, applying their skills, and then evaluate their work, reflecting on successes and areas for improvement.

Short Term Planning

We carefully plan each lesson to ensure students are supported in developing their skills and knowledge progressively.

Lesson Content Planned for Disciplinary Skills: Each lesson is designed to support the development of key skills such as designing, making, evaluating, and applying technical knowledge.
Knowledge Notes for Each Lesson: Clear knowledge notes are provided for each lesson to ensure that key information is communicated effectively and builds on prior learning.
Progressive Disciplinary Skills: Skills are planned progressively across lessons, ensuring students move from basic to more complex tasks, all while building confidence.
Building on Previous Learning: Each lesson builds on the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous session, culminating in a final project where students can demonstrate their learning and creativity.

Our Design and Technology curriculum at Gorsefield Primary School not only supports creative expression but also ensures that children develop important skills for the future, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. By following the 'Learning Without Limits' approach, we provide students with the opportunity to explore their full potential and inspire a love for innovation.

Curriculum Impact Statement DT 2023 2024 Ending