Why is Design and Technology important in our school?  

Design and technology is an exciting and hands-on subject that encourages children to think creatively and practically. Through designing, making and evaluating products, children learn to solve real life problems, considering the needs and values of themselves and others. Children also learn the importance of taking risks and being reflective, helping them become innovative thinkers and capable problem solvers, building on their resilience. By evaluating a range of past and present designs, Children develop a deeper understanding of how technology affects our everyday lives and the world around us. Overall, Design and Technology helps students build essential skills that contribute to their creativity, critical thinking, and understanding of the world—preparing them to be confident and capable.  

At Sudley Primary School, our Design and Technology curriculum aims to develop their skills, creativity and imagination to design, make and evaluate products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Through their research of the project presented children have the opportunity to think creatively, engage in problem solving and be adventurous when designing a product. Practical tasks develop children’s ability to express their individuality in the construction of their projects. Through carefully sequenced lessons, pupils are taught the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to confidentially engage in the sequence of designing, making and evaluating. Skills are taught progressively with a focus on safe use of equipment at all times, to ensure that all children are able to learn and develop as they move through the school. Children will draw and develop their skills from subjects such as Maths, Science, Computing and Art. Children have opportunities to work collaboratively and independently to fulfil design briefs. The children have various opportunities throughout the key stages to explore food sources, nutrition and make a variety of different dishes.  

How is Design and Technology taught in our school? 

In Design and Technology, the curriculum has been carefully sequenced to ensure the progression of key skills as the children move through each key stage. They are consistently given the opportunity to build upon and develop their prior learning, ensuring that each new concept is rooted in what children have already learnt. In Key Stage 1, children explore mechanical systems, strengthening and reinforcing materials, textiles and cooking and nutrition. These topics flow through Key Stage 2, allowing children to explore them further in greater depth. In Key Stage 2, children also discover the opportunities presented when using electrical and mechanical systems as well as computer aided design in their projects. Across the school, lessons follow the same structure, beginning with a retrieval question, assessing their understanding of previous topics. Each topic follows the same progression through a series of lessons which involves investigation, designing, making and evaluating.  A key focus of our curriculum is the use of specific technical vocabulary. This vocabulary helps children communicate their ideas clearly and confidently, connecting their practical learning with the language of making and designing. By focusing on prior learning and vocabulary, children are equipped to tackle more complex projects as they progress through the school, with clear understanding of how their learning connects across different topics and year groups.  

What will children get from the teaching of Design and Technology?  

Through exploring different tools, materials and techniques, children learn how to bring their ideas to life and understand how things work in the real world. In addition to developing practical skills, they will also build confidence in using technical vocabulary and learn about the importance of safety and sustainability. Ultimately Design and Technology will allow Sudley children to leave with problem solving skills, be creative and innovative, be able to collaborate and work as part of a team. They will learn technical and practical skills that are transferable to a wide range of future activities. They gain a greater awareness of how Design and Technology impacts society and the world we live in. Through our nutrition topics, children have a greater understanding of healthy eating and how it can play a role in improving daily life. Our children are taught that it is okay to fail and that mistakes are an important part of the learning process. This builds their resilience and a stronger growth mindset, helping children become more confidence and willing to try new things.