Design and Technology

DT Intent

 To develop our young children's ability to design, create and evaluate their own products in order to be competitive in an everchanging world able to help their community within the 21st century to design, create and evaluate solutions to future problems.

DT Implementation 

• A well thought out, whole school, yearly overview of the DT curriculum which allows for progression across year groups in all areas of DT (textiles, mechanisms, structures, food and electrical systems)
•  Well planned and resourced projects providing children with a hands-on and enriching experience
• Clear purposes estabilshed to ensure that projects meet design specifications and interests of the provider
•  A range of skills being taught ensuring that children are aware of health and safety issues related to the tasks undertaken
• Each project from Year 1 to Year 6 addressing the principles of designing, making, and evaluating and incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding in relevant contexts.
• Pupils being introduced to specific designers, chefs, nutritionists, etc. helping to engender an appreciation of human creativity and achievement and increase the cultural capital from which they can draw in the future

DT Impact

Children will have clear enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology that they will then apply to other areas of the curriculum. Through carefully planned and implemented learning activities the pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. They gain a firm foundation of knowledge and skills to see them equipped to take on further learning in secondary school . Pupil’s skills and knowledge are assessed ongoingly by the class teacher, throughout lessons and a summative assessment is completed termly. This informs the Design and Technology coordinator of any further areas for curriculum development, pupil support and/or training requirements for staff. 

What our children say about DT

"I enjoyed making the stew and choosing the ingredients" - Isaac year 3 2022

"Our best project was when we created moving vehicles." Keagan Year 6 2022

Art

Art Intent

To develop their understanding of the visual language of art and through our carefully considered sequences of lessons and experiences understand the visual elements of art and design (line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, shape, 3D form). Learners will be supported by a curriculum which will enable children to grow and become proficient in the accumulation of skills. They will have the vocabulary to be able to discuss and appreciate the study of significant art pieces and will learn about the history of art and its significance in our global society.

Art Implementation

•  Art is taught in every year group, in alternate terms with DT with some elements of cross over.
• Each child has a sketchbook. We give the child ownership of their sketchbook in order to foster their sense of creativity. Children use their sketchbooks to make initial sketches, develop skills, record ideas and develop opinions.
• Every child is given the opportunity to learn the skills of drawing, painting, printing, sculpture and digital art.
• In the development of confident art critics, the pupils share their opinions and make informed observations about what will improve their own practical work.
• Cross-curricular links are promoted to allow all children to deepen their understanding across the curriculum, including the use of technology, and artworks from year group specific historical, geographical and scientific contexts.
• Opportunities for children to visit local art galleries and museums are planned for.
• Teachers follow a clear progression of skills which ensures all pupils are challenged in line with their year group expectations and are given the opportunity to build on their prior knowledge.

Art Impact

The impact of this curriculum design will lead to outstanding progress over time across key stages relative to a child’s individual starting point and their progression of skills. Children will therefore be expected to leave Holy Cross reaching at least age-related expectations for Art and Design. Our Art and Design curriculum will also lead pupils to be enthusiastic Art and Design learners, evidenced in a range of ways, including pupil voice, their final pieces and sketchbooks. We ensure that children who are achieving well, as well as those who need additional support, are identified, and additional provision and strategies are planned in and discussed with class teachers. Achievements are celebrated in classrooms through displays.

What our children say about Art

"I enjoy using different tools and pencils". Kiya Year 5 2022

"It was fun creating our own family portraits in the style of a famous artist" Hattie Year 5 2022