Our Learning Sequence

Our Design and Technology curriculum aims to prepare children to take part in the development of tomorrow’s rapidly changing, increasingly technological world. We want our pupils to develop their creative, technical and practical expertise to perform everyday tasks. Pupils will build and apply knowledge, understanding and skills to design ‘prototype’ products. They will be given the opportunity to critique and test ideas of their own and others. Every pupil will also be taught the principles of nutrition and cooking.

In the early years the focus in Design and Technology is on physical development, using tools and showing strength in construction. They will also explore how things work, and express themselves through creating and designing. They will explore different materials freely, in order to develop their ideas about how to use them and what to make. In addition they will develop their own ideas and then decide which materials to use to express them.

Design and Technology lessons are taught in line with planning, every other half term and often links to the current topic being studied in class. It follows the learning sequence of:

• Explore
• Design
• Make
• Evaluate

• In Key Stage 1, pupils should be designing purposeful, functional and appealing products. They will be able to communicate ideas through talking and drawing templates.
• When making a product they will select their own materials and components and carry out practical tasks such as cutting, shaping, joining and finishing.
• At evaluation stage, they will be given opportunities to critique their own product and products that already exist.
• In Key Stage 2, pupils should be designing products that are fit for purpose and aimed at individuals or groups.
• They will select tools and materials according to functionality and aesthetic for their product.
• When evaluating, they will critique their finished product against their design criteria, as well as listening to the opinions of others.
• Pupils in KS2 will also be looking at historical design and technology events that have shaped the world.