Our Design Technology Curriculum: Fostering Creative Problem Solvers

At Wittersham Church of England Primary School, our commitment to a comprehensive, personalised curriculum, intricately threaded with the golden threads of Compare, Reflect, and Discover, extends to all areas of education, including our Design Technology curriculum. We utilise the engaging and project-focused tool Projects on a Page to empower our students as creative problem solvers, designing, making, and evaluating products with a purpose.

Intent:

Design Technology is the bridge between creativity and functionality. It empowers students to envision and create solutions to real-world problems. As the design thinker and educator Tim Brown once said, "Design thinking can be described as a discipline that uses the designer's sensibility and methods to match people's needs with what is technologically feasible and what a viable business strategy can convert into customer value and market opportunity." Our Design Technology curriculum is designed to cultivate this discipline in our students.

Through the lens of Compare, we explore a range of design possibilities, enabling students to appreciate the creativity and innovation that shape our world. We encourage Reflection on the practical and aesthetic aspects of design, and we empower students to Discover their potential to make meaningful contributions through design.

Implementation:

In our Design Technology curriculum, we utilise the Projects on a Page tool to emphasise project-based learning and problem-solving, mirroring the principles of John Hattie, who highlighted the significance of problem-solving and creativity in education. Students are actively engaged in designing, making, and evaluating products with real-world applications.

Our Design Technology classes encourage students to exhibit courage by tackling complex design challenges, taking risks in their creative endeavours, and exploring innovative solutions. We promote a spirit of cooperation through collaborative design projects, reflecting the collaborative nature of the design industry.

Impact:

The impact of our Design Technology curriculum extends far beyond the classroom. Students develop a deep understanding of design principles, gain essential problem-solving skills, and become innovative and critical thinkers. They gain not only technical design knowledge but also creativity and an understanding of the practical applications of design.

Our Design Technology curriculum equips students to address real-world problems, become creative problem solvers, and contribute to the development of practical solutions. It contributes to their holistic growth, nurturing not only their design acumen but also their ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and create products that serve a purpose.

In conclusion, our Design Technology curriculum, guided by the Projects on a Page tool, embodies our school's commitment to a well-rounded education that includes the golden threads of Compare, Reflect, and Discover. Through this approach, we instil a deep appreciation for design and the values of compassion, courage, and cooperation, which resonate throughout all aspects of our students' lives, preparing them to be innovative problem solvers in an ever-changing world.