Design & Technology

Intent

At Christ Church School, Design & Technology (D&T) inspires pupils to become imaginative thinkers, confident problem-solvers and reflective creators. Our curriculum equips children with the skills to design and make purposeful products that address real and relevant needs, such as food technology. We aim for pupils to develop an understanding of how design impacts everyday life. Through exploring structures, mechanisms, electrical systems, textiles and food technology, children learn how creativity and technical knowledge work together to shape the world around them.

Implementation

Our D&T curriculum is built around a consistent structure, with each unit comprising four key parts: subject knowledge, design, make and evaluate.

• Subject Knowledge:
  This section is usually taught at the beginning of the unit in the classroom, where children explore real examples of D&T in everyday life. Pupils discuss how products are made and consider the purpose behind them. For example, in the Year 1 Structures unit, children learn about significant constructions such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai—the tallest freestanding structure in the world—and the Forth Railway Bridge in Scotland, giving them a meaningful context for their own work.
• Design:
  Children apply their subject knowledge by generating ideas, planning and developing design criteria. In some units, a guiding question helps focus their thinking. For instance, in Year 4 Structures, pupils consider “How do shell structures contain, protect and present?” before evaluating existing products and designing their own.
• Make:
  Much of the practical work takes place in our specialist practical room, a dedicated space equipped to allow pupils to work safely and creatively. Children sit on tall stools around long work benches, giving them plenty of room to experiment and collaborate. Tools and resources—such as glue guns, saws and other equipment—are readily available so that pupils can bring their designs to life.
  This room also supports cookery lessons, with portable hobs and sinks that enable whole classes to take part in hands-on food preparation. Pupils greatly enjoy the teamwork, independence and practical learning that cookery provides.
• Evaluate:
  Evaluation is an essential element of each unit. Pupils reflect on their products by responding to questions such as “How does your product meet its purpose?” or “What would you do differently next time?” This helps children develop critical thinking, understand the iterative design process and improve their work over time.

Throughout all units, we teach Health and Safety explicitly so that children learn to handle tools, materials and equipment safely and responsibly.

Impact

By following this structured approach, pupils develop strong technical knowledge, creativity and the ability to think critically about their work. They become confident in using appropriate vocabulary to discuss their ideas, choices and methods. Evidence in books, photographs, finished products and pupil voice demonstrates that children enjoy D&T and take pride in their achievements.

By the end of each key stage, pupils are able to design, make and evaluate with increasing independence, demonstrating resilience, innovation and practical capability. Our D&T curriculum equips them with valuable problem-solving skills and a positive attitude towards creating and improving—skills that will support their learning far beyond the classroom.