Intent

At St Wilfrid’s, our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to provide children with valuable skills and knowledge that will be useful in later life. Our intent is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn and develop key competencies in designing, constructing, and using finishing techniques to complete functional and creative products. Over the course of their time at primary school, pupils will explore five core areas: Textiles, Food and Nutrition, Structures, Mechanisms, and Electrical Systems. These areas will be introduced and revisited each year, with learning building on prior knowledge and skills. In Key Stage 2, students will be introduced to electronics, providing an opportunity for them to develop a deeper understanding of modern technology and engineering principles.

Implementation

Our Design and Technology curriculum is structured to build upon previous learning, ensuring that each year group develops both practical and theoretical knowledge in a progressive manner. Pupils are provided with hands-on learning experiences that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking as they design and create a variety of products.

The curriculum covers five key areas across the primary years:

1. Textiles: Pupils learn how to design and create textile products, understanding different materials and techniques.
2. Food and Nutrition: Pupils explore the importance of healthy eating and learn how to prepare simple dishes, understanding ingredients and the processes involved in cooking.
3. Structures: Pupils are introduced to building and designing structures, learning about strength, stability, and the use of materials.
4. Mechanisms: Pupils learn to design and build moving parts, understanding levers, pulleys, and other mechanisms.
5. Electrical Systems: In Key Stage 2, students are introduced to basic electrical circuits, providing them with a foundation in electronics and how electricity is used in everyday technology.

Each unit is designed to provide pupils with the opportunity to work with a variety of materials and tools, while also incorporating design thinking, planning, and evaluation. Teachers provide guidance and support through a range of teaching strategies, including practical demonstrations, collaborative projects, and independent tasks.

Impact

The impact of our Design and Technology curriculum is that pupils will acquire a range of practical skills and a strong understanding of the design process. They will be able to confidently design, create, and evaluate a range of products, applying their knowledge of materials, tools, and techniques. By the end of their primary education, pupils will have a deepened understanding of how design and technology impact everyday life and the world around them.

Pupils will also develop important life skills such as problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and resilience, which are transferable to other areas of learning and future life experiences. The introduction of electronics in Key Stage 2 will provide students with the foundation for understanding modern technological innovations, preparing them for a future in a technology-driven world. Ultimately, our Design and Technology curriculum will foster a sense of accomplishment and pride in the creative process, inspiring pupils to continue exploring the world of design and technology in their future studies and careers.