“To create a memorable design, you need to start with a thought that’s worth remembering.” – Thomas Manss

At Parkgate, we understand the importance of learning through Design Technology. Design Technology is all around us. We know that it enables children to develop a deeper understanding of their growing sense of identity and a practical framework for their appreciation of design principles, engineering solutions, and creative problem-solving processes.

We believe that studying Design Technology allows our children to see how and why innovation, problem-solving, and design have evolved over time. We believe that what children learn through Design Technology can influence their values, perspectives, and appreciation for diverse approaches to design, engineering, and technological advancements.

The Design Technology curriculum offer follows the national curriculum in KS1 and KS2 and the EYFS Statutory Framework and Development Matters in the early years. The Design Technology curriculum is ambitious and designed to give all learners, particularly the most disadvantaged and those with special educational needs, the knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed in life. Where required, pedagogy is adapted so that all pupils, including disadvantaged pupils and those with SEND, are on the same design journey towards the same endpoints.

Our curriculum is carefully weighted with equal priority given to both substantive knowledge (design processes, materials, and technologies) and disciplinary knowledge (how designers and engineers work to solve problems and create functional products). Clearly defined substantive knowledge end points are identified at the end of each unit, and disciplinary knowledge end points are set at the end of each key stage. Components (building blocks) are carefully sequenced so new knowledge builds on what has been previously taught and leads to the end points.

Key concepts, for example, 'design process', 'innovation', 'materials', and 'functionality', are covered and repeated throughout the curriculum. Vocabulary is also taught explicitly in every lesson. Key words and concepts are mapped out in this document. There are also opportunities for developing reading in Design Technology, as students explore technical language, design briefs, and product specifications.

In early years and KS1, plans are written following the end points and key concepts. This leads into a carefully tailored and sequenced curriculum taught in KS2, which has been developed pulling from resources such as Kapow and subject specialism from Secondary School colleagues in the Trust. This is enhanced with practical tasks and design challenges so children have the opportunity to practice key Design Technology concepts, such as problem-solving, material manipulation, and the exploration of design principles and construction techniques.

Review and retrieval is a key part of every lesson. Quick quizzes and knowledge organisers are used to support this.

Our pupils represent an urban area of Coventry, and this is reflected through an inclusive, diverse curriculum, which is supported through additional extra-curricular focuses on events such as design workshops, engineering challenges, and technology showcases.

The scheme of work supports our teachers in delivering focussed and engaging lessons which help to raise standards and allow all children to achieve to their full potential. This includes children of all abilities, social and cultural backgrounds, those with disabilities, EAL speakers and SEND statement and non-statemented.