Intent

At Our Lady & St Kenelm, the Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum is designed to inspire and empower students to become creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and innovative designers. By engaging with a broad range of practical activities, pupils will develop key skills in designing, making, and evaluating products. Our curriculum is intended to nurture curiosity and the ability to think analytically, as well as to foster teamwork and resilience. Through purposeful, hands-on learning, we aim to provide pupils with the knowledge and confidence to understand how products are made, how technology shapes the world around them, and how they can contribute to future technological advancements.

Implementation

The Design and Technology curriculum is implemented through a series of progressive, age-appropriate projects that build on prior knowledge and skills. Starting from Foundation Stage, pupils engage with the concepts of structures and textiles. As they progress through Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, students are introduced to more complex design challenges, including structures, textiles, mechanisms, the digital world, mechanical and electrical systems, as well as cooking and nutrition. The curriculum integrates learning across subjects, connecting D&T to mathematics, science, and art, ensuring that pupils can apply their knowledge in real-world contexts. Lessons are delivered using a blend of direct instruction, exploration, and collaborative tasks. Assessment is ongoing through self-reflection, partner talk and teacher feedback.

Impact

By the end of their primary education, our children will develop a strong understanding of the design process and will be able to apply these skills in both practical and theoretical contexts. This will be evident in their growing confidence in problem-solving, creativity and technical skills. By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will be able to design, make, and evaluate products independently, demonstrating clear, thoughtful decision-making and effective use of materials and techniques. Our children will leave Our Lady & St Kenelm not only with a solid foundation in D&T but also with the skills necessary for future learning and success in both creative and technical fields. Furthermore, they will have a lasting appreciation of how design and technology influences their everyday lives and the world around them.