Design and Technology
Design & Technology at Guston Church of England Primary School
Design and Technology (D&T) helps children become creative, practical and confident learners. Pupils learn how to design, make and evaluate products that solve real problems. Our teaching reflects our Christian values and encourages teamwork, responsibility and care for the world around us.
Intent
At Guston CEP School, Design and Technology encourages pupils to be creative, practical and confident problem-solvers. Children learn how products are designed, made and evaluated, and how design affects everyday life. Pupils are encouraged to take sensible risks, try new ideas and reflect on their work. Our curriculum is inclusive and helps all children develop skills they can use in school and beyond. We aim to inspire pupils to become thoughtful, resourceful and responsible designers of the future.
Implementation
Design and Technology is taught through a progressive curriculum from Early Years to Year 6. Pupils follow the design process of design, make and evaluate, supported by strong technical knowledge.
Children learn through:
Practical, hands-on activities
Responding to real-life design problems
Working independently and in groups
Using tools, materials and equipment safely
Key areas are revisited throughout the school with increasing challenge:
Cooking and Nutrition
Structures
Mechanisms
Textiles
Electrical systems (KS2)
Digital design (KS2)
Learning is adapted to meet the needs of all pupils, with support and challenge provided where needed. Design and Technology may be taught weekly or in blocks. Each year, pupils also take part in a whole-school Design and Technology project, including creating products for our Christmas D&T Fair.
Impact
As a result of our Design and Technology curriculum:
Pupils enjoy designing and making products
Children develop practical skills and creativity
Pupils learn to use tools and materials confidently and safely
Children understand healthy eating and where food comes from
Pupils evaluate their work and think about how to improve it
Learning builds year on year, meeting National Curriculum expectations
Pupils leave primary school prepared for the next stage of learning
Our Aim
We want all children to:
Enjoy designing and making
Use tools and materials safely
Think creatively and solve problems
Learn how products are made and improved
Understand healthy eating and where food comes from
How We Teach Design and Technology
Design and Technology is taught from Early Years to Year 6. Learning builds each year so children remember more and can do more over time.
Children learn through:
Designing, making and evaluating products
Practical, hands-on activities
Working on real-life design problems
Working independently and in groups
Key areas taught include:
Cooking and Nutrition
Structures
Mechanisms
Textiles
Electrical systems (Key Stage 2)
Digital design (Key Stage 2)
Some lessons are taught weekly and others are taught in blocks. Each year, pupils also take part in a whole-school Design and Technology project.
Inclusion and Support
All children take part in Design and Technology lessons.
We support pupils by:
Using clear language and visual support
Adapting tools and tasks when needed
Providing extra help or challenge
This includes support for children with SEND and children who speak English as an additional language (EAL).
Safety
Children are taught to use tools, equipment and materials safely. Adults check that all activities are safe and suitable for children.
What Children Learn
By the time children leave our school, they can:
Design and make products for a purpose
Use tools and materials safely and confidently
Talk about their ideas and how to improve them
Understand the importance of healthy food
Work well with others and show pride in their work