At St Robert Southwell Primary School, we believe that Design and Technology is an inspiring, practical subject that equips children with the creative, technical and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technological world. Through our broad, balanced and fully inclusive curriculum, we encourage children to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, considering the product, purpose and user, as well as their own and others’ needs, wants and values.

Our curriculum inspires children to become innovative and reflective thinkers by engaging them in the full design process: researching, planning, designing, making and evaluating. Children explore past and present designs and designers, developing an appreciation of how design and technology shapes daily life and the wider world. They communicate ideas through sketches, diagrams, mock-ups and prototypes, while developing technical knowledge and practical skills in structures, mechanisms, textiles and food technology. Children learn to use a range of tools safely and accurately, building confidence, resilience and independence through experimentation and risk-taking.

We place great importance on evaluation and reflection, encouraging children to test and refine their ideas to ensure products meet the original design brief. Through high-quality food technology teaching, children also develop an understanding of nutrition and healthy living from an early age. Ultimately, our aim is to nurture resourceful, enterprising and capable adults who are prepared for life beyond primary school and inspired to contribute creatively to future design advancements.

Our Design and Technology curriculum is implemented through engaging, practical and purposeful learning experiences that enable children to develop creativity, technical knowledge and problem-solving skills. We provide children with opportunities to design, make and evaluate products for a range of real-life contexts and users, encouraging them to think critically and work through the full design process with increasing confidence and independence.

Design and Technology is taught as a focused foundation subject during the Autumn and first half of the Summer term, allowing dedicated time to develop and refine their skills. In line with the National Curriculum, children are taught to generate and communicate ideas through sketches, diagrams, templates, mock-ups and, where appropriate, digital technologies. They then select and use a range of tools, materials and techniques safely and accurately to create purposeful, high-quality products. Evaluation is an integral part of the process, with the children reflecting on their work against design criteria and considering how products could be improved both functionally and aesthetically.

Our curriculum is carefully planned to ensure progression in knowledge and skills from Early Years to Year 6. Projects are closely linked to wider curriculum themes, helping them make meaningful connections across subjects. Design and Technology also draws upon learning in Mathematics, Science, Computing and PSHE, including measurement, electrical systems, digital design and healthy living.

Food technology is taught across the school, with children developing an understanding of nutrition, food preparation and healthy eating. Each year group prepares dishes that can be recreated at home, while progressively building knowledge of food sourcing, cooking techniques and balanced diets. Through these experiences, children become resourceful, resilient and innovative learners who are well prepared for life in an increasingly technological world.

To further enrich our curriculum and foster a love of practical learning, children are also offered additional opportunities through extra-curricular clubs, including Cookery Club and Sewing Club. These activities allow children to extend their skills, develop creativity and independence, and explore Design and Technology in enjoyable and meaningful ways beyond the classroom.

The impact of our Design and Technology curriculum is that children leave St Robert Southwell Primary School as confident, creative and reflective learners who are able to apply practical skills, technical knowledge and problem-solving strategies across a range of contexts. Children develop resilience, independence and a willingness to take risks through the process of designing, making and evaluating products, while gaining an appreciation of how Design and Technology influences everyday life and the wider world.

The Children demonstrate progression in their ability to generate and communicate ideas, select and use tools safely and accurately, and evaluate their work thoughtfully against design criteria. Through food technology, children also develop a growing understanding of nutrition, healthy lifestyles and essential life skills. By revisiting and building upon knowledge and skills throughout the school, the children become increasingly resourceful, innovative and capable learners who are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

The achievements of the children in Design and Technology are celebrated through exhibitions and displays which showcase products, design processes and skill development across the school. These opportunities promote pride in achievement, encourage reflection and inspire creativity among all children.

Assessment is ongoing and informs future teaching and learning. Teachers assess their understanding and application of skills through observations, discussions, sketches, design work, final products, and self and peer evaluations. This ensures that progress is carefully monitored and that all children are supported and challenged to achieve their full potential in Design and Technology.