DT and Engineering

The Design and Technology department staff at Corby Technical School are committed to delivering a curriculum accessible to all which provides the broadest possible range of opportunities for students through both independent and group activities. 

We aim to enable our students to become self-motivated learners who have the confidence to persevere with the challenges that they may face during assignment work and the knowledge gained by completing practical activities, whilst at the same time not being afraid to learn by making mistakes. 

Intent

Design and Technology is an inspiring, and practical subject, it encourages children to learn to think and intervene creatively to solve problems both as individuals and as members of a team. At Corby Technical School, we intend to encourage children to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, and values.

We aim to, wherever possible, link work to other disciplines such as mathematics, science, computing, and art. The children are also given opportunities to reflect upon and evaluate past and present design technology, its uses and its effectiveness and are encouraged to become innovators and risk-takers.

Implementation

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, we teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in the process of designing and making.

When designing and making, the children are taught to:

Design

• Use research and develop the design criteria to design functional and appealing products that are fit for purpose, aimed at particular individuals or groups.
• Generate, develop, model, and communicate their ideas through discussion, annotated sketches cross-sectional diagrams, prototypes, pattern pieces and computer-aided design.

Make

• Select from and use a wider range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks (for example, cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing) accurately.
• Select from and use a wider range of materials and components, including construction materials, according to their functional properties and aesthetic qualities.

Evaluate

• Investigate and analyse a range of existing products
• Evaluate their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work.
• Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world.

Technical knowledge

• Apply their understanding of how to strengthen, stiffen and reinforce more complex structures
• Understand and use mechanical systems in their products.
• Understand and use electrical systems in their products.

Key skills and key knowledge for Design and Technology have been mapped across the school to ensure progression between year groups. This also ensures that there is a context for the children’s work in Design and Technology; that they learn about real life structures and the purpose of specific examples, as well as developing their skills throughout the programme of study.

Impact

We ensure the 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, understanding and skills in order to design and make high-quality products for a wide range of users and critique, evaluate, and test their ideas and products and the work of others.
• Children will design and make a range of products. A good quality finish will be expected in all design and activities made appropriate to the age and ability of the child.

Children learn how to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative, enterprising, and capable citizens. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. High-quality design and technology education makes an essential contribution to the creativity, culture, wealth, and well-being of the nation.