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Design & Technology

What does Design & Technology look like at Dale Hall?
DT is important to us at Dale Hall because it helps to prepare children for the developing world. It is an inspiring and practical subject which uses both creativity and imagination. DT at Dale Hall encourages children to become problem solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. The children combine practical skills with an understanding of social and environmental issues. Through the DT curriculum, children are inspired by engineers, designers, chefs, and architects to enable them to create a range of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products with a real-life purpose. At our school pupils will have the opportunity to develop DT specific skills as well as combining these skills with a broad range of subject knowledge, drawing on disciplines such as Art, Science, Maths, ICT and Engineering. We truly believe that DT helps all children to become informed consumers and potential innovators.
 

Through our continuous provision approach in EYFS and KS1, children are given ample opportunities in their learning environment to practise and embed their D.T skills. Our classroom environments are carefully designed to enable pupils to be independent and creative designers and engineers. Children have independent access to tools, materials, and resources and are encouraged to design, create and construct products based on their own interests. Children take ownership over their learning and are encouraged to self-reflect and evaluate their products. Our classrooms offer pupils a safe place to make mistakes and trial new ideas. Below are some examples of the provision we offer.

DT Skills Progression Map and Intent, Implementation and Impact 2023.pdf
Here are some examples of EYFS & Ks1's learning in action
Miss E Grover

D.T subject leader

Learning through exploration and play has always been at the heart of my teaching. I love to watch children explore, develop and refine their ideas whilst working together creatively. My role as subject leader for Design & Technology is to provide a stimulating and supportive curriculum where students can develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and technological literacy. My aim is to empower students to become innovative thinkers and confident creators in an ever-evolving world.

Challenging gender stereotypes
Our Design and Technology curriculum promotes equality of opportunity and provides an awareness of areas that have gender issues. We understand that children are exposed to stereotypes from an early age and that one role of our school is to counter those experiences. We know that stereotyping leads to unconscious bias and as a school we have a duty to challenge those preconceived biases. All children will have access to equipment that has been traditionally female and male dominated to ensure equality for all- for example tools for woodwork, sewing and weaving materials, cooking experiences, and opportunities for large-scale and small-scale construction.
Here are some examples of Ks2's learning in action