Curriculum Intent

At Northleaze Primary School, we want all children to recognise the important role that design and technology plays in everyday life and the wider world. We aim to inspire curiosity and creativity through a curriculum that encourages children to explore, question and engage with real-life problems. Design and Technology provides children with opportunities to design, make and evaluate purposeful products across a range of contexts, including those linked to their learning in other subjects and their own experiences.

Through our curriculum, children develop the confidence to take risks, think critically and approach challenges with resilience. They are encouraged to be imaginative and innovative, whilst considering the needs, wants and values of themselves and others. We want pupils to understand that the design process is iterative and that mistakes are an essential and valuable part of learning.

Our curriculum builds progressively on prior knowledge and skills, enabling children to develop a secure understanding of materials, mechanisms, structures and cooking and nutrition. By making meaningful cross-curricular links, we ensure that learning is relevant and engaging. We promote positive learning behaviours and encourage children to be reflective, resourceful and responsible learners who take pride in their work.

Implementation 

At Northleaze Primary School, we ensure progression and consistency through a structured and carefully sequenced Design and Technology curriculum from Year 1 to Year 6. Each unit is designed to build on prior learning, allowing children to revisit and develop key skills such as designing, making, evaluating and developing technical knowledge over time.

Our long-term plan ensures full coverage of the key areas of Design and Technology, including textiles, structures, mechanisms, electrical systems and food technology. These are taught through engaging and practical projects such as sewing puppets and decorations, constructing bridges and shelters, designing moving toys using cams, axles and pneumatics, and creating products using circuits. Food technology is embedded across year groups, giving children regular opportunities to develop an understanding of healthy eating and essential cooking skills.

We make strong cross-curricular links with subjects such as science, history and geography to provide meaningful contexts for learning. For example, pupils explore structures through river and bridge topics, investigate electrical systems alongside science units on electricity, and design shelters linked to historical learning such as World War II. This approach enables children to see clear purpose in their learning and apply their knowledge in a range of contexts.

Lessons follow a clear design process of research, design, make and evaluate. Children are explicitly taught key skills, subject-specific vocabulary and techniques, and are given opportunities to practise and refine these through hands-on experiences. They work both independently and collaboratively, developing problem-solving skills and resilience when faced with challenges.

At Northleaze, we aim to enrich the curriculum through practical experiences, the use of a wide range of materials and opportunities to apply learning in real-life contexts. Teachers adapt lessons to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring that every child can access, enjoy and succeed in Design and Technology.

Impact 

At Northleaze Primary School, we want children to leave with a clear understanding of the role and importance of Design and Technology in everyday life and the wider world. Pupils will be able to approach problems creatively and confidently, using a range of skills and knowledge to design and make purposeful products.

Children will have gained practical experience working with a variety of materials, tools and techniques, alongside developing an understanding of mechanisms, structures and basic electrical systems. They will be able to evaluate their own work and that of others, using appropriate vocabulary and reflecting on how designs can be improved.

Pupils will demonstrate resilience and perseverance, recognising that designing and making involves testing ideas, learning from mistakes and refining outcomes. They will leave Northleaze as confident learners who are willing to take risks, think independently and apply their knowledge in new and unfamiliar situations.

Ultimately, children will understand that design has a significant impact on the world around them. They will be equipped with the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to become thoughtful designers, problem solvers and innovators in the future.