Design Technology
Intent
Our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to spark curiosity, creativity and ambition, meeting the interests of our children while enabling them to develop their individual talents. We are passionate about preparing pupils for the future and inspiring them through the work of engineers, designers, chefs and architects. Children are given opportunities to design and create a wide range of products, including sculptures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food products, all with a real-life purpose. Rooted in our vision “Together, we grow, thrive, achieve”, Design and Technology encourages pupils to work collaboratively, think empathetically and create thoughtfully for others. Through this, children develop strong planning, communication and reflective skills, increasingly using prior knowledge to solve problems and deepen the sophistication of their Design and Technology learning.
Implement
Design and Technology is taught at least once every two terms, with teaching in Years 1–6 following the iterative design, make and evaluate cycle. Each stage of this process is underpinned by strong technical knowledge, which we recognise as fundamental to developing both understanding and practical skills. Learning is rooted in real-life, relevant contexts, giving purpose and meaning to children’s work. During the making process, pupils are given choice and access to a range of tools and materials, promoting independence and creativity. Equal emphasis is placed on each stage of the design process, and a clearly sequenced progression across key stages ensures that end points are achieved. Carefully designed schemes of learning provide consistency and support progress for all learners. Links are made across the wider curriculum wherever possible, as we believe Design and Technology is most powerful when integrated meaningfully alongside other subjects.
Impact
Our children will be able to:
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Enhance their problem-solving skills, showing resilience by refining and improving their work rather than starting again.
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Express creativity through thoughtful design, selecting appropriate tools and materials to meet the needs of a specific audience and purpose.
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Act as self-critical learners, confidently evaluating their final products by identifying strengths, weaknesses and areas for improvement.
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Demonstrate future-ready skills through collaboration, investigation, designing and evaluation, equipping them with transferable skills needed for later life and work.
