Our Curriculum:

At Bedford Primary School, we recognise that the curriculum we deliver is the toolkit we send our children out into the world with. It reflects our context, core values and the kind of citizens we want them to be. We have to be ambitious for them and prepare them for a rapidly changing digital world.

'Design is not just what it looks like and feels like - design is

how it works'  Steve Jobs

Skills of a great design and technology student:

• Use imaginative and creative thinking

• Able to identify a need and provide a solution for it

• Skilful and resourceful in selecting the appropriate tools and techniques to make a product

• Able to test and evaluate a product and say what they like and dislike about it

• Resilient and confident enough to take risks and learn from any mistakes

• Able to make links and apply their learning from other subjects, e.g. science, maths, art and computing

Throughout the subject of design and technology, our pupils will also demonstrate additional traits from our Bedford Learner Profile including problem-solving, effective collaboration and communication, application of digital skills and an understanding of the need to be environmentally aware.

Our vision for design and technology:

At Bedford, we  encourage our children to explore their creativity and use their imagination through this inspiring, hands-on and practical subject.  Pupils are given the opportunity to design and make prototypes and products that solve real and relevant problems, within a variety of contexts and while considering the needs, wants and values of a range of users.  Our vision is for them to develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. Understanding and applying the principles of nutrition and learning how to cook is also a very important element of future wellbeing.

About design and technology at Bedford:

Through a variety of creative and practical activities, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to engage in and follow the iterative process of designing and making. 

In line with the iterative process, the key strands for design and technology are:

• Design - researching need and existing products, planning, communicating, innovating, developing, use of technology to aid the design process
• Make - selecting and working with a range of tools, equipment, materials and components to make a quality product/food for an intended purpose
• Evaluate - compare against designs and plans.  Understand how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped shape the world
• Technical knowledge - applying their understanding of computing, mechanical systems (e.g. levers, linkages, gears) and electrical systems (e.g. switches, bulbs, motors etc) to their products.  

Steph O'Donnell - Design Technology (D & T) Consultant

Steph is a freelance specialist D&T teacher and over the past few years we have had the pleasure of benefitting from her fantastic knowledge and expertise in this subject area. Through workshops, Steph has raised the profile of D&T throughout  school and the children have made a wide range of models, including working torches, hydraulic heads, zoo enclosures, 4 wheeled vehicles and puppets to name just a few!  Steph has also provided quality staff training and as well as giving confidence to staff, she has also helped to inspire and excite them to teach high quality D&T lessons using appropriate resources. The children love these lessons and the projects feature every term in all classes. Pupils use their imagination, takes risks  and produce innovative products by following the  iterative process. 

The Design and Technology Association

At Bedford we also subscribe to the DT association to help support staff to plan and deliver high quality DT lessons with access to support, guidance and resources.  Their 'Projects on a Page resources are particularly useful and guide staff through the iterative process. 

Helping your child with design and technology at home:

• Cook, bake and be creative with a range of simple, healthy and nutritious recipes and dishes at home
• Teach your child simple health and safety rules when using equipment
• Let your child explore and experiment. Allow the opportunity to make and learn from mistakes - safely
• Design, make and create at home with a wide range of materials, construction toys and suitable pieces from your recycling - let their imaginations run wild!
• Children may also enjoy using their digital/computing skills to design and create.

Useful links:

Ten Free Design Technology Activities and Ideas for Parents