Design and Technology Intent

At St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, we recognise that learning practically can enhance children’s understanding, knowledge and skills. Design and Technology is taught using a cross-curricular approach, for example, designing, making and testing bottle rockets in Science, hats in Art and instruments in Music. An important focus is on the progression of skills, motivating learners to build on existing knowledge.

In the Early Years, children are immersed into learning experiences including, constructing, using a range of tools, exploration and discussion. Design and Technology is incorporated through play for children to explore and also during more structured short group activities.

As they progress into Key Stage One, children begin to design, make and evaluate (plan, do, review) during practical activities. Pupils work in a range of contexts, including school, playgrounds, nature garden and the local community.

In Key Stage Two, plan, do, review is a system embedded into children’s learning and creativity. Skills are developed by using research and taking part in greater discussion to support the design process. Pupils are excited to use a wider range of tools and equipment to make their projects and once complete, consider the views of others when making improvements.

Cooking and nutrition takes place across each phase, teaching children life skills, where food comes from and how it grows, the principles of a healthy and varied diet and how to prepare dishes using a range techniques.