Design and Technology

At Leopold Primary School, we believe that Design and Technology (DT) education equips our pupils with the skills, knowledge, and creativity to become innovative problem-solvers and designers of the future. Our DT curriculum inspires children to think critically, work practically, and develop solutions to real-world challenges. We aim to nurture resilience, technical competence and an entrepreneurial spirit in all of our pupils.

Intent

Our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to:

• Develop practical skills – Pupils learn to use tools, equipment and materials safely and effectively to create high-quality products
• Foster creativity and innovation – Children explore design possibilities, generate original ideas and develop solutions to authentic problems
• Build technical knowledge – Pupils understand how products work, the materials and components used, and the principles behind structures, mechanisms, and systems
• Encourage critical thinking – Children learn to evaluate existing products, refine their own designs, and make informed decisions throughout the design process
• Promote resilience and problem-solving – DT provides opportunities for pupils to persevere, adapt their approaches, and learn from mistakes
• Connect learning to real life – Pupils understand how DT impacts everyday life and explore potential career pathways in design, engineering and technology

Implementation

How We Teach Design and Technology

The Design Process – Every project follows a clear, iterative structure:

1. Research and Explore – Pupils investigate existing products, understand user needs, and explore materials and techniques through hands-on experimentation

2. Design – Children generate creative ideas, develop design criteria based on purpose and user, and create detailed plans using drawings, diagrams, and prototypes

3. Make – Pupils use appropriate tools, equipment, and materials to construct high-quality products, applying and refining their technical skills

4. Evaluate – Children test their products against design criteria, gather feedback from users and suggest improvements for future designs

Structured Progression – Our curriculum ensures clear skill development from EYFS through to Year 6 across all DT disciplines, with children building on prior knowledge and techniques each year

Key Skills and Knowledge Areas

Throughout their time at Leopold Primary School, pupils develop expertise across five key areas:

Structures – Creating stable, strong structures using frameworks, shell structures and various materials (card, wood, recycled materials) with appropriate joining techniques

Mechanisms – Learning how to create movement through levers, linkages, wheels and axles, gears, pulleys and cams

Textiles – Developing fabric skills including cutting, joining, sewing techniques (running stitch, backstitch, blanket stitch), and decorative methods (appliqué, embroidery, fabric printing)

Electrical Systems (Key Stage 2) – Understanding simple circuits, switches and how to incorporate electrical components safely and purposefully into designs

Food and Nutrition – Building essential life skills through understanding healthy eating, food provenance, preparation techniques (peeling, cutting, grating, mixing), cooking methods (baking, boiling, frying) and food hygiene and safety

Technical Skills Development

Pupils progressively develop safe and competent use of tools and equipment including cutting tools, joining tools (glue guns, staplers), shaping tools, measuring equipment, food preparation equipment and sewing equipment.

Impact

By the time pupils leave Leopold Primary School, they will:

• Have developed confidence and competence in designing and making high-quality, functional products
• Possess a strong foundation in technical skills across structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food preparation
• Understand and apply the iterative design process to solve problems creatively
• Be able to evaluate products critically, considering functionality, aesthetics, user needs and sustainability
• Have knowledge of healthy eating and be able to prepare simple, nutritious meals independently
• Understand how DT contributes to society, the economy and the environment
• Be equipped with practical skills, creative thinking, and resilience to continue their DT learning at secondary school
• Have developed an appreciation for well-designed products and the work of designers, engineers and chefs

Enrichment Opportunities

We enhance our DT curriculum through:

• DT Clubs – After-school activities including cooking club, construction challenges, and making clubs
• Educational Visits – Trips to design museums, working farms, food production facilities, and local businesses
• Design Challenges – Whole-school competitions and themed design days
• Displays and Exhibitions – Showcasing pupils' products throughout the school and in special celebration events
• Community Links – Partnerships with community organisations

Supporting Your Child's DT Development

Parents and carers can support their child's learning by:

• Encouraging making at home – Providing opportunities for children to design and create using household materials
• Involving children in cooking – Including them in meal planning, shopping, and food preparation
• Discussing design – Talking about how everyday products are designed and made, and what makes them effective
• Exploring together – Visiting museums, exhibitions, and places of interest related to design, engineering, and food
• Providing tools and materials – Allowing safe, supervised use of age-appropriate tools and craft materials
• Celebrating effort – Praising perseverance and problem-solving, not just the finished product
• Asking questions – Encouraging children to think about how things work and how they could be improved