Design & Technology
Design Technology helps us to develop as reflective learners, as we work through the design process. Through Design Technology, we are able to work collaboratively to solve problems and find solutions, teaching us to deal with uncertainty whilst developing communication, organisational and other practical life skills. In Design Technology, we learn to appreciate the needs of others, the built environment and the likely impact of future technologies.
Our Approach
We deliver the requirements set out in the EYFS framework and National Curriculum through the Kapow scheme of learning. This aims to inspire pupils to become curious, creative and innovative thinkers with a broad understanding of how products are designed and made, in other words, to think like designers and engineers. The intention is for pupils to develop the confidence to identify problems, generate ideas, plan and create products and evaluate their outcomes.
Our curriculum aims to raise pupils’ awareness of how design and technology shape the way they live, work and interact with the world. It encourages pupils to become resourceful, enterprising individuals who have the skills to contribute to and improve the world around them. It is designed to be both accessible and ambitious, ensuring all learners’ full participation and potential achievement.
What Does Design & Technology Look Like?
Design Technology is taught weekly, rotating with Art & Design, on a half-termly basis. We use a spiral curriculum model that ensures pupils revisit and develop their understanding of key themes and concepts as they progress. This approach allows them to make meaningful connections, reinforce their learning and achieve mastery in the subject over time. Teaching in Design & Technology includes:
- Revisiting key concepts – pupils encounter the same ideas multiple times throughout their education, with each revisit adding more complexity.
- Progressive depth – concepts are not just repeated but expanded upon, helping pupils to make connections and develop a richer understanding over time.
- Knowledge retention – regular exposure to key ideas strengthens pupils' memory and prevents knowledge from being forgotten.
- Skill development – pupils refine and apply their skills in different contexts, improving their ability to think critically and solve problems.
- Adaptive learning – by building on prior knowledge, teaching meets pupils at their current level and supports all learners, including those who need extra reinforcement and those who are ready for greater challenges.
What do we learn in Design Technology?
We learn about:-
Structures
Textiles
Cooking and Nutrition
Mechanisms and Mechanical Systems
Digital Technology
Electronics and Electrical Systems
How Can I Support My Child's Learning?
Here is a suggestion of ideas that you may find helpful in supporting your child/ren learning Design Technology
