The Design and Technology (DT) Curriculum covers a range of projects and skills across different year groups. This curriculum can be linked to the five fundamental British values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Here's how some of the curriculum content aligns with these values:
- Democracy:
- Collaborative Projects (e.g., making vehicles, moving miniature playgrounds, water walls): Encouraging students to work together on design and technology projects fosters democratic principles such as collaboration, listening to others, and making collective decisions.
- Evaluation and Feedback: Activities that involve evaluating their own and others' work promote democratic participation and the sharing of diverse opinions.
- Rule of Law:
- Safety in DT (e.g., using tools safely, understanding the properties and functionality of materials): Emphasizing the importance of safety rules and guidelines in DT helps students understand the significance of laws and regulations in ensuring safety and order.
- Environmental Responsibility (e.g., projects on upcycling, sustainability, and pollution): Studying the impact of design and technology on the environment highlights the role of laws and regulations in promoting sustainable practices and protecting the planet.
- Individual Liberty:
- Creative Expression (e.g., designing and making products such as pencil cases, key rings, and fashion items): Providing opportunities for students to express themselves through various design and technology projects supports the value of individual liberty, allowing them to explore their creativity and personal interests.
- Independent Projects (e.g., independently choosing materials and creating designs): Encouraging students to take ownership of their projects promotes independence and self-reliance.
- Mutual Respect:
- Diverse Cultural Contributions (e.g., cooking from different cultures, studying the history of food and design): Studying the contributions of various cultures to design and technology promotes mutual respect and appreciation for the diversity of communities.
- Teamwork and Collaboration (e.g., working together on projects such as building vehicles or creating moving pictures): Understanding the importance of working together and respecting each other's ideas fosters a respectful and supportive learning environment.
- Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs:
- Global Awareness (e.g., learning about food and design from different cultures, understanding global issues such as fast fashion and sustainability): Exposure to different cultural practices and global issues encourages students to appreciate and tolerate diverse perspectives and practices.
- Historical and Cultural Context (e.g., studying the history of design and technology, learning about significant figures such as George Stevenson and Ismail al-Jazari): Learning about the historical and cultural context of design and technology promotes understanding and tolerance of various beliefs and traditions.