Design Technology

Subject Overview

Intent

At Sidlesham Primary School, Design and Technology (DT) inspires children to become innovative thinkers, problem-solvers and practical makers. Through a rolling 3-year programme, we provide a balanced, engaging curriculum that equips pupils with the skills and knowledge to design, create and evaluate real products with purpose.

Children learn how to apply their understanding of materials, mechanisms, structures, food and electrical systems in meaningful ways. We aim to develop technical skills, creativity, and confidence, encouraging pupils to explore how things work and how they can improve the world around them through design.

Implementation

DT is taught through three focused units each year, following a rolling programme that supports our mixed-age classes. Across the three-year cycle, pupils cover key areas such as:

• Mechanisms & Mechanical Systems

• Structures

• Textiles

• Electrical Systems

• Food & Nutrition

Each unit includes a clear design-make-evaluate process. Children begin by investigating existing products and learning technical knowledge. They then design their own solutions, develop practical skills during the making phase, and finally evaluate their finished product against design criteria.

Food units promote healthy eating and cooking skills, while other units offer hands-on opportunities to work with materials, tools, and systems safely and creatively.

Impact

By the end of Key Stage 2, children at Sidlesham can:

• Use tools, materials and techniques with increasing precision and confidence.

• Follow a clear design process from idea to finished product.

• Understand the purpose and function of different products and systems.

• Work both independently and collaboratively to solve problems creatively.

• Make informed choices about food, nutrition, and healthy lifestyles.

Assessment is based on observation, discussion, and pupils’ design and evaluation work. Over time, children build a clear sense of how to improve their ideas and designs, developing real-world skills they can carry forward into future learning.

Design Technology Knowledge Organisers