“Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
                                                                                                                                                                    Pope John Paul II

"He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers - all of them skilled workers and designers"

                                                                                                                         Exodus 35:35

We value the progress and fulfilment of our pupils across the arts curriculum: art, design and technology (DT), dance and music. Children express themselves through the arts and explore learning in a dynamic way. They are encouraged to make mistakes, persevere and not give up. In turn, this creates independent learners that thrive in later years. Topic work opens opportunities for learning the arts through a range of subjects, whilst still building on progressive skills. In the arts, the possibilities are endless and being individually creative is always encouraged.

Statement of Intent

At St Mary's Catholic Primary School, we value Design and Technology as an important part of the children’s entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum in a safe environment where they are inspired. Design and Technology offers children a chance to use creative thinking and activity, with a defined purpose and tangible outcome. Technology is a part of children’s immediate experiencestherefore their understanding and skills are important to develop. The thinking tools developed through D&T provide the skills for practical work, reflection, problem solving and a growth mindset approach.

Implementation

There is a programme of study for Design and Technology in place from Foundation Stage through to Year 6 that is taught through our Cornerstones Curriculum. It is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject which requires creativity, resourcefulness and imagination. Pupils design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. It embeds many curriculum values and is cross curricular, encouraging children to draw upon the skills and subject knowledge within Science, Maths, History, Computing and Art. Teachers will plan to ensure full coverage of the skills relating to the Design and Technology curriculum for that year group throughout the years.

Pupils are given the opportunities to explore these skills both individually and by working within a group in a variety of contexts.

Impact

Design and Technology learning is enjoyed by teachers and pupils across school. As a subject, Design and Technology combines skills, knowledge, concepts and values to enable children to tackle real life problems. They learn to take risks, be reflective, innovative, enterprising and resilient. Through the evaluation of past and present technology they can reflect upon the impact of Design and technology on everyday life and the wider world. This is a collection of skills that they can take into their future and have a significant positive impact on their development and the communities that they are part of.