Design & Technology

Subject Leader: Mrs L Priestley

At Athelstan Primary School, Design Technology is an inspiring and practical subject that enables children to make sense of the world through designing, making and evaluating purposeful products. Our progressive curriculum follows a clear “Design, Make, Evaluate” approach, carefully sequenced to build knowledge, skills and vocabulary across each year group while linking learning to local contexts, wider curriculum topics and real-world problems. Through hands-on enquiry and practical experiences, pupils investigate how past and present designs influence everyday life and develop the confidence to think creatively and critically as designers and engineers. Children explore structures, mechanisms, textiles, food technology and digital technology, including the use of micro:bits, while developing practical skills, independence, resilience and problem-solving abilities. We prioritise pupil ownership and creativity, ensuring children generate and refine their own ideas, evaluate their outcomes and apply their learning in meaningful contexts. Our inclusive approach ensures all pupils can access and succeed in Design Technology through adapted teaching, flexible progression pathways and appropriate support. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are confident and capable designers who can apply their knowledge and skills to create high-quality products that solve real and relevant problems.

What does learning look like in DT?
 

In DT, children will:

• Design, make and evaluate purposeful products through hands-on learning
• Develop knowledge, skills and vocabulary progressively across year groups
• Solve real-life problems using creativity, enquiry and problem-solving skills
• Explore a range of areas including structures, textiles, food and digital technology
• Build confidence, resilience and independence while creating high-quality products