Design Technology

Rationale

Our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to be ambitious, practical and purposeful, enabling all pupils to develop the creativity, knowledge and technical skills needed to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. It is built around the National Curriculum and ensures clear progression in skills, knowledge and vocabulary from EYFS through to Year 6.

The curriculum provides pupils with opportunities to work with a wide range of materials, including textiles, structures, mechanisms, electrical systems and food. These are carefully sequenced so that knowledge and skills are revisited, deepened and applied with increasing independence and accuracy as pupils move through the school.

A strong emphasis is placed on the design process: designing, making, testing and evaluating. Pupils are encouraged to think critically, reflect on their work and improve outcomes through iterative design. This supports the development of resilience, problem-solving and creativity.

We have deliberately linked projects to meaningful contexts and real-life purposes, ensuring that pupils understand the relevance of DT in the wider world. Where appropriate, units are enriched through links to designers, engineers and food cultures, helping pupils to appreciate how design impacts everyday life and different communities.

Food and nutrition are taught as an essential life skill, with a focus on safety, healthy eating and understanding where food comes from.

Mechanical and structural units build understanding of how things work, while textile and construction projects develop fine motor control, precision and creativity.