Design Technology

At Barnes Farm Primary School, our Design and Technology curriculum is informed by the National Curriculum and delivered through engaging, hands-on learning opportunities that link to our topics and Big Questions. The curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and resilience in our pupils while equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to participate in an increasingly technological World. Each year group follows a progressive plan of study, ensuring skill development and continuity across the school.

Our intent is to deliver a rich, progressive, and practical curriculum that encourages children to design, create, and evaluate their own work with confidence. Through a variety of projects and challenges, children develop an understanding of materials, tools, and processes; they are encouraged to work both independently and collaboratively to achieve their goals.

The aim of our Design and Technology curriculum is for children to:

• Develop creative, technical, and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks and engage in creative problem-solving.

• Build knowledge and understanding of materials and components, tools, and techniques.

• Investigate and evaluate existing products, learning to critique and improve designs.

• Apply their skills to design purposeful and functional products for themselves and others, considering user needs, environmental concerns, and functionality.

• Develop knowledge of food preparation and nutrition, including cooking and healthy eating, while learning how to work safely and hygienically in the kitchen.

• Cultivate resilience and a growth mindset by exploring how to test, adapt, and improve their designs.

In the Early Years, children are introduced to foundational skills such as exploring materials, building structures, and experimenting with tools. Through purposeful play and focused activities, they develop curiosity, creativity, and early problem-solving skills.

In Key Stages 1 and 2, children are taught to follow the D&T process: research, design, make, and evaluate. They are introduced to increasingly complex techniques and materials, with opportunities to work with textiles, structures, mechanisms, and digital technologies. Each year group undertakes carefully planned projects that build on prior knowledge and skills to ensure progression throughout their learning journey.

At the start of each project, children explore a driving question or real-world problem, which sparks engagement and allows teachers to assess prior knowledge. They are then guided through the design process, creating prototypes, testing ideas, and ultimately evaluating their finished products. This reflective process enables children to celebrate their successes and consider areas for improvement.