Weston Village Primary SchoolDesign and Technology
Our Vision
At Weston Village Primary School, we believe that Design and Technology (DT) is a vital and inspiring subject. It enables our pupils to become creative problem-solvers, both as individuals and as part of a team. Through practical and meaningful projects, they design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. Our DT curriculum fosters imagination, resilience, and independence, helping children to develop practical skills and an understanding of the designed and made world around them.
Our approach to DT supports every child to Be the Best They Can Be, in line with our Secrets of Success ethos. Through well-sequenced learning opportunities and hands-on experiences, we aim to inspire the designers, engineers, and innovators of the future.
Intent
Our Design and Technology curriculum is carefully planned to equip all children with the skills, knowledge, and understanding they need to design and make high-quality prototypes and products. We aim to develop thoughtful designers who can evaluate their own ideas and products critically and who have an understanding of the importance of design in the wider world.
Our curriculum:
Encourages creativity and imagination in designing and making products for a range of purposes.
Develops practical skills in working with a range of tools, materials, and techniques.
Promotes investigation and evaluation of existing products to inform children's own ideas.
Teaches the principles of nutrition and the skills needed to cook, promoting healthy lifestyles.
Ensures all children understand key events and individuals who have shaped design and technology.
Inclusion is at the heart of our provision. We make adaptations to ensure that every child can access and succeed in DT, celebrating diverse ideas and approaches along the way.
Implementation
Design and Technology is taught discreetly each term, with every child engaging in exciting, progressive projects that build on prior knowledge and skills. Our long-term plan ensures clear progression from Early Years to Year 6, and links where appropriate to other curriculum areas such as Science, Maths, and Computing.
Our DT curriculum covers:
Designing: Researching, planning, and communicating creative ideas through drawings, diagrams, templates, and prototypes.
Making: Selecting and using appropriate tools, equipment, and materials to make functional and appealing products.
Evaluating: Investigating and analysing existing products and evaluating their own designs against design criteria.
Technical Knowledge: Understanding how to strengthen structures and how mechanical, electrical, and computer systems work.
Cooking and Nutrition: Learning the principles of a healthy diet and preparing a variety of savoury dishes.
Our lessons are practical and hands-on, making full use of skilled teaching staff, engaging resources, and our dedicated learning spaces. We value the learning journey as much as the end product and encourage children to take risks, explore, and reflect on their work.
Our Curriculum in Action
EYFS (Sparrows): Children explore materials and tools through open-ended play, developing skills like cutting, joining, and building. They create simple models and begin to explore healthy foods through play-based cooking activities.
Key Stage 1: Pupils gain confidence in working with different materials and tools. They design and create products such as fabric faces, moving picture books, and fruit salads. They begin to evaluate their work and explore basic mechanisms such as sliders and levers.
Lower Key Stage 2: Pupils develop their technical skills and understanding of design processes. They make products such as kites, juggling balls, mechanical posters, and simple electrical lights. They also learn about healthy eating through projects like the Edible Garden and The Great Bread Bake Off.
Upper Key Stage 2: Pupils take on more complex design briefs, combining multiple skills and technologies. They explore global food and seasonal cooking, make marvellous structures, and design programmable products. They also produce functional textiles such as felt phone cases and explore the use of automata in mechanical toys.
Enrichment and Wider Opportunities
At Weston, Design and Technology extends beyond the classroom. We offer:
Whole-school DT challenges and competitions.
Cross-curricular projects during themed weeks and enterprise events.
Opportunities to showcase DT work during exhibitions and parent events.
Links to local businesses and craftspeople who support children in understanding design in the real world.
Outdoor learning opportunities through Forest School and gardening clubs.
Children are encouraged to be innovative, take pride in their work, and understand how DT impacts the world around them.
Impact
We assess the impact of our Design and Technology curriculum by:
Monitoring children’s design books, project outcomes, and final products.
Gathering pupil voice feedback to understand their learning experiences and enjoyment.
Conducting lesson observations and learning walks.
Tracking pupil progress through termly assessments and subject leader scrutiny.
By the end of Year 6, children at Weston Village Primary School are confident designers and makers. They leave with the skills to approach real-life problems with creativity and resilience, ready to build on their DT knowledge at secondary school and beyond.
Inclusion
Design and Technology is an inclusive subject at Weston. We ensure that every child, including those with SEND, can fully participate in all DT activities. Differentiated tasks, adapted equipment, and additional support are provided where necessary. We celebrate every child's contribution and recognise that there are many ways to succeed in design and technology.
Pupil Voice
“I like making things because I can see my ideas come to life.” – Year 2 pupil
“I loved designing my phone case. I even used a sewing machine!” – Year 5 pupil
“DT makes me think about how things work and how to make them better.” – Year 6 pupil
Subject Leadership
Our Design and Technology Lead, Miss Wright, is passionate about providing an engaging and inclusive DT curriculum at Weston. She ensures staff are supported through high-quality CPD, oversees curriculum delivery, and works closely with children to develop their designing and making skills.
Want to know more?
Take a look at our:
Design and Technology Policy
Design and Technology Long Term Plan