Design and Technology Intent, Implementation, and Impact Statement for Willaston Primary Academy.

Intent

At Willaston Primary Academy, our intent in delivering Design and Technology (D&T) is to engage and inspire all pupils, enabling them to develop a lifelong passion for design and innovation. We intend to create a curriculum that fosters creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, allowing pupils to explore and prototype their ideas. Our D&T curriculum is designed to:

• Promote Creativity and Innovation: Encourage pupils to think outside the box and address real-world problems through the creative process. We aim to cultivate an environment where risk-taking is rewarded, and where pupils feel safe to express their ideas.
• Develop Technical Skills: Equip pupils with knowledge and practical skills related to a range of materials and techniques. This foundational skill set prepares them for further education and potential careers in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
• Encourage Collaboration and Communication: Foster teamwork and effective communication as pupils work on projects, recognising the importance of each individual’s contribution towards a common goal.
• Promote Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Instill an understanding of sustainability and the ethical implications of design decisions, empowering pupils to consider the environmental and social impact of their creations.
• Broaden Cultural Awareness: Introduce pupils to the diverse world of design, influencing their unique perspectives, inspiring them to incorporate different styles and ideas into their work.

Implementation

At Willaston Primary Academy, we implement our D&T curriculum through a structured approach, ensuring it aligns with the national curriculum while also meeting the specific needs and interests of our pupils. Key components of our implementation strategy include:

• Robust Curriculum Design: Our D&T curriculum is carefully sequenced and progressively builds skills from foundation stage to year six. Each unit of work is designed with clear learning objectives that tie into the overall intent, enabling teachers to deliver consistent and engaging lessons.
• Hands-On Learning Experiences: We provide a plethora of practical experiences that allow pupils to engage actively with materials and technology. This includes workshops, project-based learning, and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning, so pupils can see the relevance and application of D&T in various contexts.
• Professional Development for Staff: We invest in continuous professional development, ensuring our teaching staff are equipped with the latest pedagogical techniques and industry knowledge to inspire and engage pupils effectively.
• Incorporation of Technology: Utilising modern technologies, such as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software and 3D printing, facilitates innovative design practices and keeps lessons relevant to contemporary industry standards.
• Regular Assessment and Feedback: We implement formative assessments throughout the D&T curriculum, allowing for immediate feedback and reflection. Summative assessments at the end of each unit help track progress and inform future teaching strategies.

Impact

The impact of our D&T curriculum at Willaston Primary Academy is evident through our pupils' enthusiasm for learning, creativity in problem-solving, and the development of essential skills. Our assessment data and qualitative feedback from pupils, parents, and staff demonstrate:

• Enhanced Engagement and Creative Thinking: Pupils display heightened levels of enthusiasm and engagement during D&T lessons, demonstrating improvements in their ability to conceive innovative designs and approaches to problems.
• Skill Acquisition and Mastery: Pupils consistently achieve measurable improvements in their technical skills and knowledge of materials, showcasing their competencies through various projects that reflect their ability and creativity.
• Positive Attitudes Towards Learning: Pupils develop resilience and a positive attitude towards challenges, as they learn from failures and iterate on their designs, building confidence in their creative processes.
• Preparation for Future Pathways: By instilling a strong foundation in D&T, we are preparing pupils for future academic pursuits, with many expressing interest in related subjects at the secondary level.
• Community Engagement and Collaboration: Projects are often showcased within the local community, allowing pupils to receive external recognition for their work while also reinforcing the connections between education and its real-world applications.