Design and Technology at KWPS
Subject Leader: Mrs R Lewthwaite
What Design and Technology Looks Like at KWPS
EYFS
In the Early Years, Design and Technology is taught through exploration, play and hands-on experiences as part of Expressive Arts and Design and Understanding the World. Children explore materials, tools and construction, developing creativity, problem-solving skills and fine motor control. They begin to design, make and evaluate through practical experiences.
KS1 & KS2
Design and Technology is taught through structured projects across the year, often linked to History and Geography topics to provide meaningful contexts for learning. Each project follows the design process: designing a product, making it, and evaluating its effectiveness.
Children work with a range of materials and systems, including:
- mechanisms
- structures and materials
- textiles
- food and nutrition
- electrical systems (in Key Stage 2)
Pupils develop practical skills through hands-on learning, using tools, materials and techniques safely and effectively.
Enrichment
Design and Technology is enriched through practical experiences, real-life design challenges, cooking opportunities and cross-curricular projects.
Assemblies
Assemblies support learning through links to innovation, invention and real-world design.
Cross-curricular links
Design and Technology is closely linked with:
- Maths (measuring, scaling, accuracy)
- Science (materials, forces, nutrition)
- Computing (control systems, design software)
- Art (design, creativity and aesthetics)
Inclusive practice
All pupils access the Design and Technology curriculum. Learning is adapted through scaffolding, modelling and practical support to ensure all pupils can succeed.
The Intent of our Design and Technology Curriculum
At Kirkham and Wesham Primary School, we want Design and Technology to be exciting, practical and meaningful. Through each project, children learn how ideas become real products that solve problems and improve our lives.
Our curriculum is designed to:
✔ encourage creativity, independence and problem-solving
✔ develop practical skills using real tools and materials
✔ build understanding of how design impacts the world
✔ introduce children to designers, engineers and innovations
✔ prepare pupils with skills for the next stage of education
We aim for children to see themselves as designers, engineers, inventors or chefs, and to feel confident in their ability to create and contribute to the world.
The Implementation of our Design and Technology Curriculum
Our Design and Technology curriculum follows the National Curriculum and is carefully sequenced to ensure progression of knowledge and skills across all year groups.
Art is taught through curriculum links, particularly with History and Geography, allowing pupils to design and make products within meaningful historical and cultural contexts.
Each project is based on a design brief or challenge. Pupils:
- design purposeful products for a specific user
- select appropriate materials and tools
- make and construct using a range of techniques
- evaluate their products and suggest improvements
The curriculum develops knowledge and skills across key areas including:
- designing
- making
- evaluating
- technical knowledge
- cooking and nutrition
Children progressively build skills in working with materials, structures, mechanisms and food. They also develop an understanding of how products are designed and function.
Cooking and nutrition form an important part of the curriculum. Pupils learn about healthy eating, food preparation and cooking techniques, building confidence and independence.
Key vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited to support understanding and communication.
The Impact of our Design and Technology Curriculum
By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils at KWPS will:
✔ confidently follow the design process from idea to evaluation
✔ use tools, materials and techniques safely and effectively
✔ understand how design can solve problems and improve lives
✔ demonstrate creativity and innovation in their work
✔ evaluate and improve their designs using clear reasoning
Our pupils leave KWPS as confident, creative thinkers who are prepared for the next stage of their education.
National Curriculum Aims for Design and Technology
The National Curriculum for Design and Technology aims to ensure that pupils:
- develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks
- build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills
- design and make high-quality prototypes and products
- evaluate and test their ideas and products
- understand and apply the principles of nutrition and cooking
These aims are embedded across our curriculum.
Assessment
Assessment in Design and Technology is used to monitor pupil progress and inform teaching.
Teachers use ongoing formative assessment through observation, discussion and evaluation of pupils’ work to identify next steps.
Progress is monitored through:
- design work and annotated sketches
- finished products
- pupil discussion and evaluation
- teacher assessment
Assessment focuses on the development of design, making and evaluation skills, as well as technical knowledge.
What is taught in each year group
Our Design and Technology curriculum is carefully sequenced from EYFS to Year 6, ensuring progression in knowledge and skills over time.
Please see our Design and Technology Curriculum Overview below for full details of what is taught in each year group.
Progression of Skills
Designing
Pupils develop the ability to design purposeful products, progressing from simple ideas to detailed, annotated designs considering user needs and function.
Making
Pupils develop practical skills using tools, materials and techniques, progressing from simple construction to more precise and complex outcomes.
Evaluating
Pupils learn to evaluate their work, progressing from simple likes and dislikes to detailed, evidence-based evaluations and improvements.
Technical Knowledge
Pupils develop understanding of materials, structures, mechanisms and systems, applying this knowledge to their designs.
Cooking and Nutrition
Pupils develop skills in preparing and cooking food, understanding nutrition, seasonality and healthy eating.
Inclusion and Accessibility
Our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to be accessible to all pupils. We are committed to ensuring that every child can participate and succeed.
We meet our duties under the Equality Act 2010 and SEND regulations by:
- adapting teaching to meet individual needs
- using scaffolding and practical support
- providing targeted support
- maintaining high expectations for all learners
Find Out More
If you would like more information about the Design and Technology curriculum, please contact:
Mrs R Lewthwaite – Design and Technology Subject Leader
Enquiries can be made via the school office
Key Documents