Intent

At LAPW, our intent for Design and Technology is to inspire curious, creative, and capable learners who develop a deep understanding of the designed world and their role within it. We aim to empower children to become innovative problem-solvers who can design, create, and evaluate a range of products and systems for a variety of purposes and audiences.

Through engaging and inquiry-based learning experiences, we strive to foster a spirit of inquiry and exploration by encouraging children to ask questions, investigate existing products and systems, and identify real-world needs and opportunities for design. We will enable children to grasp key concepts related to materials, structures, mechanisms, control, and digital technologies, and how these are applied in design. We aim to provide regular opportunities for children to generate original ideas, experiment with different approaches, and take risks in their design thinking. Equipping children with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively use a range of tools, equipment, materials, and techniques will build practical skills and technical competence. We will foster teamwork, sharing ideas, and communicating design solutions effectively through various methods. Enabling children to analyse and evaluate their own designs and the designs of others, considering factors such as functionality, aesthetics, sustainability, and impact on society will develop critical thinking and evaluation skills. During lessons, learning will connect to real-world contexts by providing opportunities for children to engage with local and global issues through design challenges, fostering an understanding of the social, ethical, and environmental considerations of design and technology. Empowering children to see themselves as designers and makers who can contribute positively to their communities and the wider world will nurture a sense of responsibility and agency. Transdisciplinary links will open meaningful connections with other subject areas to enhance learning and provide authentic contexts for design challenges.

By nurturing these skills and understandings, we aim to develop lifelong learners who are confident, resourceful, and responsible designers and technologists ready to navigate and contribute to an ever-evolving technological world.

Implementation

We believe that Design and Technology (D&T) is a vital subject that empowers our children to become creative, innovative, and resourceful individuals. Through engaging and purposeful learning experiences, we aim to foster their ability to identify needs and opportunities, develop ideas, make products and systems, and evaluate their outcomes. Our D&T curriculum is linked to the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) philosophy, promoting inquiry-based learning, the development of conceptual understanding, and the acquisition of essential skills for lifelong learning.

Our skills based approach creates a culture of inquiry where children are encouraged to ask questions, explore existing products, and investigate different materials and techniques. Learning is driven by children’s curiosity and their desire to solve real-world problems. We focus on developing a deep understanding of key D&T concepts such as function, form, materials, and processes. These concepts are explored through different contexts and across year groups, building connections to other subject areas and the transdisciplinary themes. D&T is integrated with the transdisciplinary themes of the PYP, providing meaningful contexts for learning and allowing children to apply their knowledge and skills in authentic situations.

We explicitly teach and develop essential D&T skills, including:

Investigating: Researching existing products and identifying their function and purpose.
Designing: Generating, developing, and communicating ideas through sketching, modelling, and digital tools.
Planning: Selecting appropriate materials, tools, and techniques, and sequencing tasks.
Making: Using a range of tools and equipment safely and accurately to create products.
Evaluating: Testing and appraising their own and others' products against a design brief and success criteria.
Communicating: Presenting their ideas, processes, and evaluations effectively.

We recognise and cater to the diverse learning needs of all our children through adapted tasks, resources, and support. We provide opportunities for challenge and extension for all learners. We encourage collaboration and teamwork, fostering communication, problem-solving, and shared decision-making skills. We employ a range of formative and summative assessment strategies that are aligned with the learning outcomes and provide children with opportunities to demonstrate their understanding and skills in authentic contexts. This includes observation, sketch books, product creation, and evaluations. We provide a well-resourced learning environment that allows for exploration, experimentation, and safe use of tools and materials. We continuously seek to enhance our resources to support innovative and engaging learning experiences.

We are committed to ongoing professional development for our teachers to ensure they have the knowledge, skills, and understanding to effectively implement the D&T curriculum within the PYP framework. D&T learning experiences are planned and implemented within the framework of the PYP Units of Inquiry. Teachers identify opportunities to integrate D&T learning outcomes and skills in meaningful and relevant ways, ensuring a balance between focused D&T activities and integrated learning.

We regularly monitor and evaluate the impact of our D&T implementation on the children’s learning and engagement. This involves:

Observing student participation and progress.
Analysing children’s work.
Gathering feedback from children, teachers, and parents/carers.
Reviewing and refining our curriculum and teaching practices to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the PYP philosophy.

Through this comprehensive implementation of Design and Technology within the PYP framework, we aim to nurture our children’s creativity, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of the designed world, preparing them to be responsible and innovative global citizens.

Impact

Design and Technology (D&T) in our Primary Years Programme (PYP) fosters a culture of inquiry, creativity, and problem-solving, empowering children to become innovative thinkers and responsible global citizens. Through engaging and hands-on experiences, D&T significantly impacts the children’s learning and development. D&T provides authentic contexts for children to inquire into the needs and wants of individuals and communities. They learn to ask questions, conduct research, and analyse existing products and systems. The design process encourages critical thinking as children evaluate different materials, techniques, and design solutions, making informed decisions based on functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Through rigorous design and testing, children develop resilience and learn from their mistakes, fostering a growth mindset and the ability to reflect on their learning.

D&T provides a platform for children to express their creativity and explore their own ideas through sketching, model-making, and digital tools. Children are encouraged to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions to real-world problems, fostering their imagination and entrepreneurial spirit. By working with a range of materials and technologies, children develop technical skills and dexterity, enabling them to bring their ideas to life.

D&T skills are always linked to Units of Inquiry, allowing children to explore the connections between design, technology, and broader societal issues such as sustainability, ethical production, and accessibility. Children learn about the impact of technology on our world, both positive and negative, and develop an understanding of their role as responsible users and creators of technology. Through designing for specific users and contexts, children develop empathy and an understanding of diverse perspectives, contributing to their development as caring and internationally-minded individuals.

Many D&T activities involve collaborative work, encouraging children to share ideas, negotiate, and work effectively as part of a team. Children develop their communication skills through presenting their design ideas, explaining their processes, and justifying their choices using appropriate technical vocabulary. The process of giving and receiving constructive feedback during design reviews further enhances their communication and interpersonal skills.

D&T provides a practical application for concepts learned in other subject areas, such as mathematics (measurement, geometry), science (materials, forces), and art (aesthetics, composition). The integrated nature of D&T fosters deeper conceptual understanding as children see how different disciplines connect and contribute to solving real-world challenges.

In conclusion, Design and Technology in our academy is not just about making things; it is a powerful vehicle for developing essential 21st-century skills, fostering a love of learning, and empowering children to become confident, creative, and responsible contributors to a better world.

What we do at LAPW...

Design & Technology is a vibrant and practical subject where children bring their creative ideas to life. We are incredibly proud to have a dedicated Art and D&T room, providing the perfect environment for hands-on exploration and innovation. Here, children have access to a wide range of tools and materials, enabling them to design, make, and evaluate their projects with confidence and precision. A highlight of our D&T calendar is the annual LAT Bake Off, where aspiring young bakers within the Leigh Academies Trust showcase their culinary talents, combining scientific understanding with artistic flair in delicious creations.

Click here to go back to the Science page