DT

DT Curriculum Intent

To provide a design and technology curriculum that prepares children for the developing world, encouraging them to be creative problem solvers both individually and as a team. Through practical, hands-on experiences, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators, makers, and critical thinkers, equipping them with the skills to design and create functional products that meet specific needs and serve a clear purpose. Our curriculum fosters resilience, adaptability, and curiosity, empowering children to think critically and apply their learning in meaningful, real-world contexts.

Sequencing and Progression

The D&T curriculum is designed to build on the children's prior learning from previous years and develop skills and knowledge that are revisited and consolidated. The main strands of DT that are taught at Noel Park are structures, textiles and cooking & nutrition, with these being covered across each key stage. Through the study of design and technology children combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues to design and make a product. Evaluation is an integral part of the design process and allows children to adapt and improve their product, this is a key skill which they need throughout their life. Design and Technology helps all children to become discriminating and informed consumers and potential innovators.

What does DT look like at Noel Park?

In the Early Years, children learn about design and technology through play, often structured around current topics they study. The children explore how they can use different materials and techniques to express their ideas and create functional design and technology objects. In Years 1-6, children have a weekly art DT lesson of one and a quarter hours every other half term. In each unit, they are introduced to a new skill and get opportunities to view and appraise examples of designs and technology, as well as being introduced to focus designers. The children then experience new design and technology techniques and skills to be able to plan for a final masterpiece that they make, display and evaluate.

Policies and Documents

Our DT Curriculum

D&T Content and Sequence

Structures

In the structures unit, children learned to design and build stable and strong structures by exploring the properties of different materials and techniques. For example, Year 2 constructed chairs for Baby Bear, while Year 5 designed and built functional bridges, and Year 6 created playgrounds with strong and safe features. Throughout the unit, pupils discovered basic principles of structures, construction techniques, and the design process, allowing them to understand how shapes and materials contribute to stability and strength.

Textiles

In the textiles unit, children learned to explore, design, and create a variety of textile products while developing essential sewing techniques. For instance, Year 2 made colourful pouches, Year 3 designed and constructed cushions, and Year 6 crafted stylish waistcoats. Throughout the unit, pupils discovered different types of fabrics, practised sewing skills, and engaged in the design process, enabling them to understand how to combine materials effectively and create functional and appealing items.

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