Design Technology

Design and Technology at our academy engages, inspires and challenges pupils. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to design, make, improve and evaluate.

We encourage pupils to use their creativity and imagination. We want them to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. We also aim to make relevant links to designs and designers wherever possible within the curriculum objectives. Throughout our projects, we aim to make links with other subjects such as: mathematics, science, computing and art. This gives the learning purpose.

We teach the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to design and make a product. This is done through a variety of creative and practical activities. Throughout the year, pupils will have the opportunity to use all or some of these design elements: 

  • Design – with the purpose in mind, pupils will research other designers and explore and develop their own ideas
  • Make and Improve – use a wider range of tools and equipment with accuracy. Also use a wider range of materials and components according to their qualities. Time will be allocated to reflect on and improve their designs
  • Evaluate – test their ideas and products against their own design criteria and consider the views of others to improve their work

Pupils in EYFS are encouraged to design, make, evaluate and share their ideas. This could be individually, in a focus group, or as a class project. By the end of EYFS, pupils should feel confident in constructing with a purpose. They should be able to select appropriate resources and mediums to help develop their ideas. Opportunities will be provided to use and master simple tools and techniques to join and assemble materials.

In Key Stage 1, pupils will build on their skills from EYFS to make products, which are functional and appealing for themselves. Pupils will have the opportunity to work on a project over a series of lessons. This will provide the opportunity to explore, make, improve and evaluate. Pupils will perform practical tasks using a range of tools and equipment and select from a range of materials and components.

In Key Stage 2, pupils will build on their skills from Key Stage 1 to produce designs from a range of relevant contexts. Pupils will be encouraged to produce products that are fit for purpose aimed at particular individuals or groups. They will select materials and components according to their functional properties. They will evaluate and make changes to these throughout the process.

It is our intent to provide as many real-life experiences for our pupils. Therefore, we have enrolled in a yearly project with Royal Opera House. This will allow the pupils to design, make, improve and evaluate for a real purpose.

Useful Documents