DT and Food
Subject Vision
To develop the creative, technical, and practical expertise needed to perform design tasks confidently.
To develop students who rise to challenges as part of our team in a calm and safe environment.
To enjoy learning through problem solving in a variety of contexts, considering personal needs and the needs of others. We aim for our students to become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens.
Aims
- To enable students to plan and prepare dishes based on their knowledge of the nutritional values of different foods.
- To follow Health and Safety guidelines and work safely.
- To enjoy Food as a subject, through exploration of dishes from different countries.
- To give students the opportunity to express themselves articulately, confidently and clearly.
- To explore factors such as religion and festivals and use this to inform their preparation and presentation of dishes.
- To show progression in theory and practical work, building on knowledge and skills.
- Value the well-being and nurturing qualities that making can have, as well as the importance of learning practical skills and career links that D&T has.
Intent
At Bournville All-Through School, our Design and Technology curriculum is built to help pupils understand the wider influences that shape the products, systems and environments around them. Children learn how historical, social, cultural, environmental and economic factors impact design decisions, enabling them to appreciate the complexity and purpose behind the things we use every day. This broader awareness helps pupils become thoughtful, informed designers who recognise the role D&T plays in improving lives and shaping the future.
In the primary phase we use the CUSP Design and Technology curriculum which is fully aligned with the National Curriculum. Creativity sits at the heart of our approach. Pupils are encouraged to work imaginatively and resourcefully when planning and making, with a strong focus on the iterative design process. They learn that design is not a single step but a cycle of exploring, testing, refining and improving ideas. This approach builds resilience, problem solving skills and a willingness to take creative risks.
The curriculum has been built using the following components:
Design
Make
Evaluate
Technical Knowledge
Throughout their learning, pupils explore a wide range of technical, designing and making principles. They work with different materials, tools and equipment, developing practical skills that grow in sophistication over time. This hands-on experience helps them understand how products are constructed and gives them the confidence to bring their own ideas to life.
A key part of our curriculum is understanding the needs of others. Pupils learn to consider how people’s cultures, beliefs, ages, abilities and dietary requirements influence design choices. This helps them develop empathy and ensures they approach design with inclusivity and respect. Whether designing a product, planning a meal or creating a structure, pupils learn to think carefully about who they are designing for and why.
We also place great value on the wellbeing and nurturing qualities that making can offer. Pupils experience the satisfaction that comes from creating something with their own hands, and they learn the importance of practical skills that link directly to future careers in engineering, manufacturing, food technology and the creative industries. Through D&T, pupils gain confidence, purpose and a sense of achievement that supports their personal development as well as their academic growth.
Learning Journey
Click on the link below to take a look at our Bournville – All-Through School DT and Food Learning Journey.