DT - Design & Technology
At St John the Baptist C of E Primary School, our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to be inspiring, rigorous, and practical. We want children to use creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems in a variety of contexts, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, and values.
We aim for all pupils to acquire the subject knowledge, skills, and understanding set out in the National Curriculum, while making strong cross‑curricular links with subjects such as Mathematics, Science, Computing, and Art. Design and Technology prepares children for the future by giving them opportunities, responsibilities, and experiences that build resilience, problem‑solving skills, and innovation. Guided by our Christian values of Compassion, Courage, and Creativity, pupils are encouraged to take risks, reflect on their work, and celebrate human achievement.
Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life at St John’s, and we are dedicated to delivering a high‑quality curriculum that is both engaging and inclusive.
This is achieved through:
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A carefully planned whole‑school overview that ensures progression across year groups in all areas of DT (textiles, mechanisms, structures, food, and electrical systems)
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Well‑resourced projects that provide hands‑on, enriching experiences
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Explicit teaching of skills, with a strong emphasis on health and safety
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Flexibility for teachers to plan DT as blocks of lessons, allowing time for children to be critical, inventive, and reflective
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Projects from Year 1 to Year 6 that follow the principles of designing, making, and evaluating, incorporating relevant technical knowledge and understanding
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Opportunities for pupils to learn about designers, chefs, engineers, and nutritionists, increasing their cultural capital and appreciation of human creativity
Beyond the classroom, DT is promoted through opt-in gardening sessions, where children learn about food production, healthy diets, and preparation. Our school gardens provide children with their own patch to grow and harvest food, embedding sustainability and responsibility into learning.
In EYFS, pupils explore and use a variety of media and materials through both child‑initiated and adult‑directed activities. They learn to:
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Use different media and materials to express ideas
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Apply knowledge of form, function, and purpose in original ways
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Plan and construct with intent using a range of resources
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Develop skills to use simple tools and techniques safely and effectively
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Select appropriate resources and adapt their work when needed
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Cook and prepare food while following good health and hygiene routines
Children at St John’s develop enjoyment and confidence in Design and Technology, applying their skills across the wider curriculum. Through carefully planned projects, pupils gain the creative, technical, and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
They leave St John’s with a firm foundation of knowledge and skills, well‑equipped to continue their learning in secondary school.
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Skills and knowledge are assessed continuously by class teachers during lessons.
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Summative assessments are completed termly, informing the DT coordinator of areas for curriculum development, pupil support, and staff training needs.
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EYFS pupils’ progress and attainment are tracked to ensure each child is supported to achieve at, above, or beyond age‑related expectations.
What our children say:
“We grew vegetables and then cooked soup. It tasted amazing!”
“I liked making my moving monster because it was fun to see it come to life.”
“I enjoyed sewing because I had never done it before. It made me feel proud.”
“We designed bridges and tested them with weights. Mine held more than I thought it would!”
“I like DT because you get to be creative and make things that are useful.”
Useful websites to inspire and improve your child's knowledge at home: