Delabole Primary School

Design Technology

"Design is where science and art break even."
                                                                                                                Robin Mathew

Design and Technology at Delabole School

At Delabole School, we believe that Design and Technology inspires children to become creative thinkers, innovative problem-solvers and skilled makers. Through designing, creating, testing and improving products, pupils learn how ideas can be developed into solutions that have a real purpose and impact.

Our curriculum follows the Design and Technology Association progression framework, ensuring a carefully sequenced development of knowledge, skills and technical understanding throughout a child's primary education. Through meaningful and engaging projects, children learn how designers, engineers, inventors and chefs use creativity and practical skills to improve the world around them.

Pupils explore a broad range of disciplines including structures, mechanisms, textiles, food and nutrition, electrical systems and emerging technologies. As they progress through the school, they develop increasing confidence in designing for a purpose, selecting appropriate materials and evaluating their work with honesty and insight.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children begin their journey through exploration, construction, role play and creative investigation. Through hands-on experiences, they develop fine motor skills, curiosity and an understanding of how ideas can be transformed into creations.

Above all, we want our children to develop the confidence to think creatively, take risks and understand that successful design is often the result of testing, adapting and refining ideas.

Aims

Through our Design and Technology curriculum, we aim for all pupils to:

  • Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to design and make purposeful products.
  • Generate, communicate and develop ideas through drawing, discussion, modelling and prototypes.
  • Understand and apply the design process to solve real-world problems.
  • Select and use materials, tools and equipment safely and effectively.
  • Build technical knowledge across structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food technology.
  • Evaluate products and designs critically, identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement.
  • Learn about significant designers, inventors, engineers, chefs and manufacturers who have shaped the modern world.
  • Develop an understanding of nutrition, healthy eating and food preparation.
  • Apply knowledge from science, mathematics and computing when designing and making products.
  • Develop resilience, independence and confidence through practical challenges and problem-solving.

How We Teach Design and Technology

Our Design and Technology curriculum is delivered through the Design and Technology Association progression framework, providing clear progression in knowledge, skills and technical understanding from EYFS to Year 6.

Learning follows a cyclical process of designing, making and evaluating, enabling children to revisit, practise and deepen their understanding over time.

During projects, children are encouraged to:

  • Explore and evaluate existing products.
  • Identify the needs of users and design for a specific purpose.
  • Develop and communicate ideas through sketches, plans and prototypes.
  • Select and use suitable materials, tools and techniques.
  • Make, test and refine products using practical skills.
  • Evaluate outcomes against design criteria and identify ways to improve their work.

Through this approach, pupils develop the creativity, technical knowledge and practical skills needed to become confident designers, thoughtful innovators and capable problem-solvers, ready to contribute to the world around them.