Technology: Science, Computing, Design & Technology

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye
shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."
Matthew 7.7

​Boddington Primary School recognises that we are living in an increasingly technological age and as such our children must be equipped with the knowledge and skills which will enable them to safely access and flourish within a modern society.

Why We Teach The Technology Curriculum

Through the subjects of Science, Design and Technology and Computing, we want our children to develop strong foundations of valuable knowledge and skills which they can use and apply throughout their lives. This includes exploration of science, living things, energy, forces and materials. We aim for pupils to develop the ability to relate science to everyday life, to express and communicate their findings in a variety of ways and to plan and hypothesise on what might happen. In Boddington we want our children to develop design and technology capabilities, learning about the design process and create final products which practise different techniques and skills. We aim for all children to use ICT tools and information effectively to analyse, process and present information. We believe in equipping our pupils to live in a technological age, teaching them how to safely access and use ICT across the curriculum.

How Do We Teach The Technology Curriculum?

Design Technology specific

Wherever possible, we teach Design Technology within our Whole School topics. By exploring familiar objects and environments, children will work with a variety of materials to develop and communicate their own ideas and design, make, test and assess simple models and constructions. Progression begins in Early Years with simple cutting and threading skills, moving to a more formal design process and advanced skills which involve working with resistant materials, textiles and cooking. Units are planned to specifically cover the requirements of the National Curriculum.

Computing specific

Computing is used across all subjects but core skills and knowledge are taught discreetly in computing lessons. In our mixed-age classes, we still ensure our children have a well-balanced curriculum where learning is organised into blocks which focus on a specific element of the computing curriculum and are built upon sequentially each year. These include algorithms; programming and debugging, communication including email, recording using images or video, data collection and presentation. ESafety units are broken down into specific topics across the year including internet safety rules, digital citizenship, Keeping information safe, responsible internets use and safer gaming. The Esafety units are taught at the start of each half term.

Computing Curriculum Map

Science specific

The acquisition of key scientific knowledge is an integral part of our science lessons. From our Scheme ‘Developing Experts’ we use knowledge organisers which enable children to learn and retain specific vocabulary and knowledge contained within each unit. The progression of skills for working scientifically are developed through the key stages and scientific enquiry skills are of key importance within lessons. At Boddington, teachers create a positive attitude to science learning within their classrooms and reinforce an expectation that all children are capable of achieving high standards in science. Through following the ‘Developing Experts’ scheme, science is taught from Early years to year 6 in planned, and arranged topic blocks by the class teacher. Our strategy is to enable all children to be catered for through adapted planning suited to their abilities and age. We plan for problem solving and real life opportunities that enable children to find out for themselves. Children are encouraged to ask their own questions and be given opportunities to use their scientific skills and research to discover the answers. This curiosity is celebrated within the classroom. Planning involves teachers creating practical, engaging lessons with opportunities for precise questioning in class to test conceptual knowledge and skills, and assess children regularly to identify those children with gaps in learning. Teachers find opportunities to develop children’s understanding of their surroundings by accessing outdoor learning and workshops with experts. Through enrichment days, such as ‘Sublime Science’, we promote the profile of Science and allow time for the children to explore scientific topics.

What Does Technology Look Like At Boddington Primary Academy?

Technology Subjects at Boddington