At our school, Design & Technology is a practical, creative, and inspiring part of the curriculum that nurtures curiosity, problem-solving and innovation. We aim to develop ambitious designers who approach challenges with imagination, resilience, and confidence. Pupils are encouraged to explore a wide range of materials, techniques, and technologies, developing both technical skills and creative thinking. Oracy is integral: pupils are encouraged to talk like designers, explaining their ideas, debating solutions, and reflecting on decisions. Our intent is for all children to grow as designers—curious, resourceful, and able to make purposeful choices in designing and creating both functional and imaginative outcomes. 

Our DT curriculum is carefully sequenced to ensure progression in knowledge, skills, and techniques from Early Years to Year 6. Lessons are underpinned by research-based pedagogy, and pupils use Design Technology booklets to record every stage of their design process—whether designing a structure, making a fruit salad, or developing a mechanical device. These booklets encourage children to plan, test, evaluate, and refine their work systematically, ensuring that thinking and making are closely connected. Units are designed to be ambitious yet achievable, fostering curiosity about how things work, the needs of users, and sustainable approaches to design. Oracy is embedded throughout, enabling pupils to discuss ideas, justify decisions, and collaborate effectively, reflecting the communication skills of professional designers. 

By the end of primary school, pupils are reflective, and inventive designers. They demonstrate ambition in their creative choices, show understanding of the design process, and produce well-considered, functional outcomes. DT booklets show progression, documenting how pupils’ ideas have developed, problems have been solved, and skills have grown over time. Pupils can talk about their designs and evaluations using precise vocabulary, demonstrating curiosity, independence, and reflective thinking. Working well as designers means making purposeful choices, testing ideas, improving outcomes, and collaborating effectively with peers. The impact of our DT curriculum is evident in the quality, creativity, and practicality of children’s work, their enthusiasm for designing and making, and their readiness to apply problem-solving and design thinking beyond the classroom.