Design and Technology at Ospringe Primary School

Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject at Ospringe. The curriculum allows opportunities for pupils to use their creativity and imagination, to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants and values. Pupils acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as Maths, Science, Computing and Art. Pupils learn to take risks, becoming resourceful, innovative and enterprising. Through the evaluation of past and present design and technology, they develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world.

Our Design and Technology Curriculum develops essential characteristics of designers:

• Significant levels of originality and the willingness to take creative risks to produce innovative ideas and prototypes.
• An excellent attitude to learning and independent working.
• The ability to use time efficiently and work constructively and productively with others.
• The ability to carry out thorough research, show initiative and ask questions to develop an exceptionally detailed knowledge of users’ needs.
• The ability to act as responsible designers and makers, working ethically, using finite materials carefully and working safely.
• A thorough knowledge of which tools, equipment and materials to use to make their products.
• The ability to apply mathematical knowledge.
• The ability to manage risks exceptionally well to manufacture product safely and hygienically.
• A passion for the subject and knowledge of up-to-date technological innovations in materials, products and systems.

Over the course of an academic year, pupils experience three DT weeks. During these weeks, carefully planned units of learning allow the pupils to acquire a broad range of subject knowledge and draw on disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art.

Exciting design briefs are given to the pupils to provide them with opportunities to learn how to take risks, become resourceful, innovative and enterprising.  

The pupils begin all design projects by gathering background research and are taught how to effectively evaluate past and present design and technology and develop a critical understanding of its impact on daily life and the wider world. They also learn the importance of the target audience and the relevance of market research. The pupils learn how to write design specifications, developing their ability to plan for products that are fit for purpose. This may include visiting local businesses and design firms to support and influence their designing stage.