Design Technology is a separate area of learning with cross-curricular link to a broad range of subjects. The DT curriculum encompasses a 2-3 day project- undertaken by each year group as well as Topic - Art and Design lessons which contain integrated elements of DT throughout the year. 

Every half term, each class has a series of history or geography related DT lessons, in which the form, function, and materials of existing products is considered and methods to ensure joins, movements, and stability are taught. Here are some examples of our work.

DT Projects

Following the success of topic related 3-day DT projects in Upper Key Stage 2, this year we intend to introduce this across both key stages. The extended DT projects give the children an opportunity to respond to a design brief, in which form, function and sustainability is considered, through team problem solving in a series of practical making sessions. Children are required to evaluate both their work and other's designs or products, and refer back to their original designs once their work is complete. They reflect upon what they have learn and what they would change to improve in the future.

In 2018, Year 5 teamed up with the Royal Institute of British Architects to design buildings for a city of the future city on Mars. The work, 'Exploring Boundaries and Space' was exhibited as part of the London Festival Of Architecture at the CGL gallery in East London.This project is now a key feature of the Year 5 curriculum.

This years Yr5 Future City Project was excellent - we were lucky to have the architect Lorna Edwards judging the entries and she was very impressed with the standard. Not only did the year5 students have to research the site specific criteria of Mars to inform their designs -they also had to think carefully about what they did not want to import from Earth - pollution and poorly designed housing were high on the list. The students also learned a lot of practical DT skills - attaching using flaps and glue guns, safe cutting techniques, and stabilising, reinforcing and creating curves with wood and wire. All of the groups worked really well together and lots of them reported back about how useful they found creating lists to delegate tasks. All of the groups tried to include electricity in their designs either using simple circuits or the Crumble kits - have a look at the gallery and videos.   

Topic Homework

In addition, children are encouraged to engage with DT projects at home through the half termly topic homework.

Carnival

Each year in Summer 2, Bessemer holds its carnival – a yearly highlight – during which the Arts (including art, music, and dance) are celebrated. Art and Design Technology features heavily, with children using some of the DT skills and processes that they have learnt throughout the year to create 3D models, fabric banners, head dresses, among other creations, which are exhibited as part of the parade. It is a lively and colourful event, in which the whole school community comes together to celebrate the hard work of all the pupils throughout the year.

Child-Led Design Technology Opportunities

We are lucky at Bessemer to have the nature garden – a fantastic resource where children of all years are free to explore and engage in deep play construction. All children in Nursery and Reception have forest school sessions, as well as the opportunity to junk model and construct in their own classrooms and outside play spaces.