Design and Technology Policy document
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
(Design Technology & Food and Textiles Technology)
From joint discussions on Technology (DT) and Food Technology and Textiles revised January 2014between Mr S Hallett, Mrs A Locksmith and Mrs J Hayman
Background of Subject
Technology, at ParksideSchool, encourages pupils to become problem solvers as individuals and as part of a team. Scientific principles, problem solving techniques and prototypes are employed to design and create artifacts. In addition we foster an understanding of aesthetics, social and environmental issues, function and industrial practices. These skills help prepare pupils for their future role in society.
Curriculum
ParksideSchoolselects elements from the National Strategy that are relevant to the pupils understanding and abilities. Every effort is made to follow the complete National Curriculum but within the pupils own ability and cognitive level. We emphasise the problem solving aspect of this subject coupled with the learning of basic personal skills.
Pupils are encouraged if they have interests at home related to DT and their work from home is often displayed in a glass cabinet near the school office. For example models or sculptures.
Learning Experiences and Activities
At Parkside School Technology is delivered by the specialist staff in the Middle School and in option groups for the UpperSchool with the help of Teaching Assistants.
In the Lower School DT is delivered by the class teacher within a cross curricular approach with guidance/help from the specialist teacher. FT is delivered by specialist staff.
In the UpperSchool there are option groups doing entry level courses.
Differentiation is an important part of each lesson with each child receiving differing amounts of help and guidance as and when necessary. Some guidance taking the form of a visual guide so pupils can work more independently. The activity may be simplified or extended by a variety of means (for example varying of task, expected outcome, variation of materials and equipment used etc.)
The school embraces the philosophy that all pupils are entitled to a broad and relevant technological curriculum based on their learning ability.
Activities will include:-
(a)Focused Practical Tasks:
(b) Design through two dimensional techniques and modelling
(c)Making Products
UpperSchool Life Skills
During Technology and Food lessons a considerable amount of time is spent in equipping our pupils with the ‘life skills’ that are necessary for them to develop socially when they leave school. Pupils use the independence room to develop skills needed in the home, and independence training. The teaching of these skills forms a cohesive thread throughout schemes of work and provide a cross curricular link with Citizenship. StaticUpperSchool pupils undertake a scheme of work specifically designed to promote independence at a level appropriate to the individual.
Cross curricular considerations
Whilst covering the subject of Technology and the associated Programmes of Study on a cross curricular basis many of the other areas of the National Curriculum are covered.
Other areas covered and contributed to are:- Mathematics; English (Writing and Reading); Science; Art; also Internet resources delivered by interactive white board, Information Technology; Library skills; Citizenship, History, Geography and Health.
One example is a DT project on pneumatics, this has strong links to Science through observation of pushing and pulling forces.
The Pupil Records
Pupils paperwork in DT is kept in their own personal folder kept in the workshop. Some pupils have video records (stored on the server) of some of their practical skills and these are also used as a learning resource.
The LowerSchooluses the idea of a learning journey and keeps an annotated photographic record of pupils work.
Assessment & Moderation
schoolteacher assessment records are kept and are as follows:-
- A record is made of each lessons attendance and the pupils Level of understanding, this is done on paper. An electronic record is also kept via a system called Behaviour Watch which is used to monitor work and behaviour.
- A pupil record report of significant progress or other comments is completed as and when necessary. This is done in the Upper and Middle School.
- Pupils in UpperSchool completing the Entry Level course have a folder containing annotated photopgrahs detailing level of support and highlighting progression.
- As a school we are using a computer assessment system called B squared. This system feeds into a program called CASPA which analyses the data revealing under achieving performance which is then addressed.
There are assessment moderation meetings between staff.
Evaluation
There are regular meetings dedicated to DT attended by the DT co-coordinator, Food Technology co-ordinator and a representative teacher from the lower school staff. These are to discuss any DT related issues.
Resources
The resources are stored in the workshop, storage/technician’s room and an outside metal shed. The department has all the small hand tools and materials you would expect in such workshop. We have a pillar drill, band saw and circular saw as well as small electronic tools such as Dremels and electronic chisels. We also have five laptops and a computer controlled cutter.
FT has all the equipment you would expect to find in a domestic environment to enable pupils to gain experience of using the equipment. This includes both gas and electric cookers, a freezer, toasters, electric mixers etc. It also has a chiller unit to enable food to be cooked quickly to a safe temperature prior to pupils taking it home.
Equipment is stored in cupboards within the FT room, with larger items and those that carry potential health and safety issues, such as sharp knives, peelers etc are kept in a lockable cupboard.
We also have some resources stored electronically under favourites on the server. The Co-ordinator reviews the current development of the subject and sets targets for both the short and longer term. These are included in the School Development Plan and a bid is put in for resources for the coming year to cover both maintenance and development. The Senior Management Team prioritise spending in line with the School Action Plan.
We have the benefit of a technician working before school who helps in the preparation of materials, equipment and their storage/maintenance.
Signed...... To be Reviewed Spring 2016
Dated......
Reviewed Spring 2014
Parkside School1
Design and Technology Policy