Cultural Capital, SMSC & British Values

Cultural Capital in Design Technology is one of the key ingredients a child will draw upon to be successful in society, their career and the world of work.  At Esh Winning Primary School we understand that each child’s cultural capital can vary vastly.  Being mindful of this, we endeavour to provide opportunities with the Design and Technology curriculum that will give children a sense enthusiasm for the subject, in turn fostering aspirations for their own futures.    To do this we will aim to provide opportunities such as:

• Visits to see food products in their raw state, fostering an understanding of how they are grown, and processes they go through before they arrive in our shops
• Visits to local businesses to see products being made
• Visits to local manufacturers
• School workshops including talks from local tradespeople

Through the projects we offer and the curriculum we deliver, pupils are taught how to investigate products, their function and how they can contribute to our daily lives. They are encouraged to develop thinking skills and explore the wider world, developing an open mind and use this inspiration and creativity when approaching their design work.

Pupils are faced with moral decisions through designing, selecting materials/ingredients, methods of manufacture, considering the needs of others, as well as the sustainability and environmental impact of products we make.

When pupils are asked to design and make products consideration needs to be given to the needs of others and value the feedback they receive; they must show mutual respect when working individually and collaboratively. Peer evaluation and self-evaluation of designed and made items plays a big part in Design & Technology work. Pupils learn to articulate their thoughts and feelings about their own and others’ work and learn to give and take criticism without offence.

Cultural development Pupils are taught that all their design work should be sensitive to needs and beliefs of different backgrounds, ensuring all imagery, text and products won’t cause offence. They think about how their ideas and products and how they impact on the world around them. Pupils are encouraged use the work of artists and designers from a wide range of cultures and historical contexts to influence and support the development of their work.