Design and Technology

Subject Intent: 

In DT, the pupils in our schools develop their skills in creativity and design. The pupils understand the many dynamic and physical processes that shape the world around us. The pupils will develop an understanding of the unique properties of all matter, they will expand their vocabulary through structured, progressive and memorable experiences.

In our schools we strive for the children to develop their independence and teamwork skills as well as their determination to design and refine their products and to show an understanding of the needs of the user. The children will design, make and evaluate a range of products and develop their skills. 

In DT the children will learn about textiles, structures, mechanisms, cooking and electronics. They will measure, cut, design and create in a range of ways which will enable them to be resilient, to persevere and to show initiative.  Pupils will develop curiosity by carrying out research into their products and will use a range of equipment safely while managing risks. We aspire to produce lifelong passionate DT designers.

Implementation:

We follow the Cornerstones curriculum to plan, teach and assess DT.  The design and technology projects are well sequenced to provide a coherent subject scheme that develops children’s designing, planning, making and evaluating skills. Each project is based around a design and technology subject focus of structures, mechanisms, cooking and nutrition or textiles. The design and technology curriculum’s electronic systems and IT monitoring and control elements are explicitly taught in our science projects to ensure the links between the subjects are highlighted. Where possible, meaningful links to other areas of the curriculum have been made. All the projects follow a structure where children are introduced to key concepts and build up knowledge and skills over time, using a more comprehensive range of equipment and building, cutting, joining, finishing and cooking techniques as they progress through school. All projects contain focused, practical tasks in the Develop stage to help children gain the knowledge and skills needed to complete their Innovate tasks independently. Throughout Key Stages 1 and 2, children build up their knowledge and understanding of the iterative design process. They design, make, test and evaluate their products to match specific design criteria and ensure they fit their purpose. Throughout the projects, children are taught to work hygienically and safely.

The Design and Technology projects are well sequenced to provide a coherent scheme that develops children's designing, planning, making, and evaluating skills. Projects focus on core strands—structures, mechanisms, cooking and nutrition, and textiles—allowing pupils to build techniques, safety practices, and iterative design knowledge over time.

Key Stage 1

In Year A, children begin in Term 1 with Den Designers, exploring structures and why shelters are needed. In Term 2, they study On the Move, learning how wheels and axles move vehicles. In Term 3, they complete Chop, Peel and Grate, learning about healthy ingredients to make a sandwich.

In Year B, Term 1 begins with Marvellous Mechanisms, exploring how moving parts work in cards. In Term 2, children study Seaside Structures, focusing on joining and strengthening materials. In Term 3, they cover Stitch, Sew, Create!, using fabric, patterns, and stitches to design products.

Lower Key Stage 2

In Year A, Term 1 begins with The Healthy Kitchen, focusing on what makes a healthy, balanced meal. In Term 2, children study Move It, Make It!, learning how cam shapes alter movement in mechanisms. Term 3 features Build to Grow, designing structural features to support plant growth.

In Year B, Term 1 starts with Preserve It!, investigating why food decays and how to slow down the process. In Term 2, children focus on Patterns and Print, learning techniques to decorate fabric. In Term 3, Mighty Machines explores how simple mechanisms help lift and move heavy loads.

Upper Key Stage 2

In Year A, Term 1 begins with Powering Movement, investigating how pneumatic systems create moving mechanisms. In Term 2, children explore Building Through Time, studying architectural influences on structural design. Term 3 covers Seasonal Plates, learning how to cook and eat seasonally.

In Year B, Term 1 starts with Repair and Reuse, focusing on creative textile repairs. In Term 2, children study Whole Foods, Healthy Choices, investigating nutrition and balanced meals. Term 3 concludes with Building Bridges, applying structural engineering principles to design load-bearing bridges.