At Horton Grange Primary School, Design and Technology (DT) is a practical subject that encourages pupils to apply their creativity and imagination to design and create products that solve real and relevant problems. Through engaging and purposeful projects, pupils develop critical thinking, resilience, and problem-solving skills, preparing them to contribute to an ever-changing technological world. They are taught the knowledge and skills needed to design, make, and evaluate products while considering functionality, purpose, and aesthetics. DT also nurtures pupils’ understanding of the iterative design process and the importance of teamwork and communication. The subject provides cross-curricular links to science, mathematics, and art while highlighting its real-world applications, such as sustainable living, nutrition, and technological innovation.

The use of the Maestro Sequenced Curriculum ensures that our DT lessons are well structured, providing a coherent progression of skills and knowledge across each year group. By the end of their primary education, pupils will have mastered practical skills (such as using tools and materials), conceptual understanding (such as mechanisms and structures), and disciplinary knowledge (such as the iterative design process and product evaluation). Pupils also develop an understanding of the principles of cooking and nutrition, enabling them to make informed choices about food.

Each year group begins with an essential skills and knowledge project to establish core concepts and techniques, which are then built upon in subsequent thematic projects. These projects expose pupils to a rich hinterland of contextual knowledge, vocabulary, and hands-on experiences that deepen their learning.

EYFS 

The Design and Technology curriculum in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) begins as soon as pupils start school, providing them with a strong foundation in creativity and problem-solving. Learning in DT is closely linked to the EYFS Statutory Educational Programme, specifically Expressive Arts and Design and Understanding the World. Through a variety of hands-on activities and enhanced provision, pupils have the opportunity to explore and create using a wide range of materials. They are encouraged to work collaboratively, developing their teamwork and communication skills while using both small and large-scale construction kits to design and build models. They are introduced to basic joining techniques and given the opportunity to explore products such as Puppets and Pop-Ups, which inspire their own design ideas. This approach helps pupils build essential knowledge and practical skills, laying the groundwork for more complex Design and Technology learning in Key Stage 1.

Key Stage 1

In Year 1, pupils begin by exploring simple structures and mechanisms, such as building shelters and assembling wheels and axles. They are also introduced to basic food preparation techniques, creating simple dishes like sandwiches. In Year 2, pupils expand their skills by learning more about food sources, structures, and textiles. They explore projects like Beach Hut and Push and Pull, which introduce sliders, levers, and basic sewing techniques.

Lower Key Stage 2

In Year 3, pupils build on their understanding of food and nutrition, learning about balanced diets and creating healthy meals. They also explore mechanisms like cams and structures like greenhouses, applying scientific knowledge to their designs. In Year 4, pupils further develop their skills in food safety and preservation, textiles, and simple machines. Projects like Functional and Fancy Fabrics allow them to combine practical techniques with creative design.

Upper Key Stage 2

In Year 5, pupils deepen their understanding of mechanisms through projects like Moving Mechanisms, where they work with pneumatic systems. They also explore seasonal foods and advanced structural techniques through computer-aided design. In Year 6, pupils consolidate their knowledge of structures, textiles, and electrical systems by completing complex projects such as Engineer and Make Do and Mend. These projects encourage independent innovation and critical thinking.

Through this well-sequenced curriculum, pupils gain comprehensive knowledge and skills, enabling them to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum and prepare for the challenges of secondary education and beyond.