Design and Technology

Intent 

At Milverton Primary School and Preschool, Design and Technology is an inspiring, practical and creative subject that encourages children to become innovative thinkers and problem-solvers. Through designing, making, evaluating and improving products, pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to address real-world challenges and opportunities.

Our DT curriculum provides meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that enable children to combine creativity with technical knowledge. Pupils investigate existing products, generate and communicate ideas, select appropriate materials and tools, and evaluate their work against design criteria. They are encouraged to take risks, learn from mistakes and reflect on ways to improve their designs.

Children explore a range of DT disciplines, including product design, structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and cooking and nutrition. Through these experiences, they develop practical skills, resilience, resourcefulness and confidence in working independently and collaboratively.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively throughout the primary years. Pupils learn to apply their understanding from science, mathematics, computing and art to create purposeful products that solve problems and meet the needs of specific users.

At Milverton Primary School and Preschool, we aim for every child to develop a love of designing and making, an appreciation of innovation and technology, and the confidence to become the designers, engineers, inventors and problem-solvers of the future. Through engaging and relevant learning opportunities, pupils leave primary school equipped with the creativity, practical expertise and critical thinking skills needed for the next stage of their education and beyond.

Implementation 

  • Design and Technology is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that develops pupils’ designing, making and evaluating skills from Reception to Year 6. 
  • Pupils engage in purposeful design projects that solve real and relevant problems, considering the needs of users and intended purposes. 
  • Children are taught to generate, develop, model and communicate their ideas using drawings, prototypes and design criteria. 
  • Practical making skills are explicitly taught, enabling pupils to work with a range of materials, tools, components and equipment safely and effectively. 
  • Food technology units help pupils develop an understanding of nutrition, healthy eating and basic cooking skills. 
  • Pupils learn about key designers, engineers, inventors and technological innovations that have shaped the world around them. 
  • Opportunities for evaluation are embedded throughout projects, encouraging pupils to reflect on their designs and make improvements based on testing and feedback. 
  • DT lessons develop creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills, encouraging pupils to take risks and learn from mistakes. 
  • Cross-curricular links are made where appropriate, particularly with science, mathematics, computing and art, to deepen understanding and application of knowledge. 
  • Assessment is used to monitor progress in design, making and evaluation, ensuring all pupils are supported and challenged to achieve success in Design and Technology.