Design Technology

The Subject Leader for Design and Technology is Mrs Prestidge

Intent

"Design shapes culture, and culture shapes our values, which ultimately guide the future." (Robert L Peters).

In Design and Technology (DT), students are inspired to think creatively and harness their imagination, developing innovative solutions to real-world challenges. This hands-on process encourages them to reflect on their own values and the needs of others, while integrating knowledge from subjects such as mathematics, science, art, and computing. DT nurtures risk-taking, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, enabling students to become resourceful, forward-thinking individuals who understand the profound role that design and technology play in shaping our world.

The objectives of our DT curriculum are to:

• Spark a lasting enthusiasm for DT, equipping students with skills that open doors to numerous future opportunities.
• Instill a sense of global responsibility and an awareness of our interconnected world.
• Encourage self-directed learning, grounded in values of responsibility and growth.
• Provide students with the tools to develop into confident, well-rounded individuals.
• Offer a creative space for students to communicate ideas and collaborate in diverse ways.
• Deepen understanding and respect for the diverse cultures and perspectives that enrich our world.
• Address and overcome the barriers to learning, ensuring equity and opportunity for all, particularly for disadvantaged students

Implementation

Our Design Technology curriculum is carefully designed to align with the National Curriculum and EYFS standards, ensuring full coverage from EYFS through Key Stages 1 and 2. While the EYFS and National Curriculum provide the foundation, we enrich our curriculum with additional skills, knowledge, and opportunities as needed to enhance learning outcomes.  

Each year group engages in a structured approach to Design Technology which could include a construction topic, a textile topic, or food and drink topics. All projects follow a clear design process that includes, research, design, making, and evaluation, enabling students to develop critical skills at each stage. Students learn a variety of practical skills with an emphasis on health and safety throughout all tasks.  

Our curriculum establishes meaningful links across subjects, offering students opportunities to apply skills in real-world, hands-on contexts. For example, integrating learning from multiple subjects, allowing students to fully engage with the design process while fostering critical thinking and creativity. Projects are assessed against curriculum objectives, and students are encouraged to self-evaluate their work to promote growth and reflection. Students are often challenged to solve problems and explore learning independently, fostering ownership and initiative.  
Team projects teach students to support and collaborate with peers, working towards ambitious and rewarding goals.  

Impact

• Children will experience clear enjoyment and growing confidence in Design Technology, which will inspire them to apply their creativity and problem-solving skills across the wider curriculum.
• They will develop deep knowledge, retain key concepts, and build a solid understanding of Design Technology principles, showcasing their learning in practical applications both in school and beyond.
• The majority of children will meet or exceed age-related expectations in Design Technology, reflecting the high standards of teaching and learning.
• As aspiring designers, children will cultivate transferable skills and attributes that will support them in their future education, careers, and everyday life.

Our Designers/Engineers/Chefs at Work

Useful Websites

https://www.exploratorium.edu/pie/ideas.html#page - They have an idea library that shows models that could be made

http://www.foodafactoflife.org.uk/ - Lots of Food Technology information

http://www.howstuffworks.com 

https://www.lego.com/en-gb/themes/letsbuildtogether/365-activities​ - Links to Lego building 

Files to Download