Why We Teach DT
At our school, pupils explore Design and Technology (DT) through Food Technology and Creative Construction, providing hands-on, meaningful learning experiences tailored to their needs and interests.
Food Technology
Food Technology ranges from sensory exploration to developing basic cooking skills. These activities help build pupils' resilience, encourage independence, and support them in overcoming sensory aversions. Through food preparation, pupils engage in real-world experiences that promote confidence and self-sufficiency.
Design Technology
DT allows pupils to express their creativity and develop independence by making their own choices. Pupils are encouraged to research ingredients and materials through sensory exploration before designing products that are personally meaningful to them. They build their products using fine motor skills and self-organisation, and they evaluate their work through testing and peer feedback, using a variety of communication methods.
How We Teach DT
We implement DT through:
- Designated DT lessons with personalised learning intentions.
- A structured process: Research → Design → Make → Evaluate.
- Practical skills development, including the safe use of tools and construction techniques.
- Hands-on exploration to encourage problem-solving and creativity.
- Topic-linked projects that allow pupils to apply their skills in meaningful ways.
- By embedding these principles, we ensure that every pupil can access, enjoy, and succeed in DT, developing confidence and independence along the way.
What impact it has
We believe that all pupils should have the opportunity to engage with DT in a way that suits their individual learning styles. This approach fosters curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills while providing a sense of achievement.
- Pupils gain confidence in their ability to express themselves through hands-on, practical activities.
- Learning through real-world experiences enhances engagement and retention.
- DT supports pupils in developing key life skills such as planning, evaluating, and refining their ideas.