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Design and Technology

Design and Technology at Manuden Primary School

A small school with big ideas… Growing hearts, Growing minds, Growing dreams!

 

"Good buildings come from good people, and all problems are solved by good design."

Stephen Gardiner 

Our Intent

At Manuden Primary School, we believe that Design and Technology (DT) inspires creativity, problem-solving and practical skills. DT allows pupils to imagine, plan, create and evaluate products, helping them develop confidence, independence and resilience.

Our DT curriculum supports our school vision of growing hearts, growing minds and growing dreams by encouraging pupils to innovate, think critically and develop real-world skills. Through DT, pupils gain an understanding of materials, mechanisms, structures and digital technology, preparing them for future learning and everyday life.

We aim to nurture thoughtful, practical and inventive learners who enjoy designing and making and are willing to take risks and learn from mistakes.

Our Implementation

Planning and Curriculum Structure

At Manuden Primary School, DT is taught using the PlanBee scheme of work, which provides a structured, progressive and skills-based curriculum from EYFS to Year 6.

The curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop pupils’ understanding across key areas:

  • Designing – generating ideas and planning projects
  • Making – selecting and using appropriate tools, materials and techniques
  • Evaluating – reflecting on finished products and suggesting improvements
  • Technical knowledge – understanding mechanisms, structures, textiles and electrical systems
  • Cooking and nutrition – learning about healthy food, ingredients and preparation techniques

This ensures that pupils build skills progressively and develop both creativity and technical knowledge.

Developing Practical Skills

A key focus of DT at Manuden is developing practical skills and independence. Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Use tools and materials safely and effectively
  • Follow their design plans accurately
  • Make improvements based on reflection and testing
  • Solve problems creatively and practically

These experiences build confidence and resilience, as pupils learn from trial and error.

Creativity and Innovation

DT lessons provide opportunities for pupils to be inventive and express their own ideas. Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Develop unique design solutions
  • Experiment with materials, techniques and tools
  • Collaborate with peers to improve designs
  • Take pride in their finished products

This helps pupils develop creativity alongside technical competence.

Vocabulary and Knowledge

Key DT vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited throughout each unit. Pupils learn the language needed to discuss design ideas, materials, mechanisms and processes confidently.

Knowledge organisers and retrieval activities support long-term retention of technical knowledge and design principles.

Assessment

Assessment in DT is ongoing and focuses on pupils’ development of practical skills, creativity and understanding.

Teachers assess learning through:

  • Observation of practical activities
  • Sketchbooks, design work and plans
  • Final products and prototypes
  • Reflection and evaluation discussions

This ensures that pupils develop both technical skills and creative thinking.

DT in the Early Years (EYFS)

In the Early Years, DT is introduced through Expressive Arts and Design and Understanding the World. Children develop early making and design skills through play-based exploration.

Pupils are encouraged to:

  • Explore materials, textures and construction techniques
  • Use simple tools safely
  • Make choices about their designs and creations
  • Reflect on what works well and what could be improved

These early experiences lay the foundation for structured DT learning in later years.

DT in the Wider Curriculum

Design and Technology links closely with other subjects, helping pupils make meaningful connections.

Examples include:

  • Science – understanding materials, forces, structures and mechanisms
  • Maths – measuring, calculating and understanding properties of shapes
  • Computing – using digital tools for design and modelling
  • Art and Design – developing creativity and aesthetic understanding
  • PSHE – developing problem-solving, teamwork and resilience

This cross-curricular approach ensures that DT learning is relevant and connected.

Enrichment and Engagement

At Manuden Primary School, we aim to make DT engaging and inspiring for all pupils. Opportunities may include:

  • Project-based learning and real-world challenges
  • Collaborative design and making tasks
  • Exploring a range of materials, tools and techniques
  • Presenting and sharing finished products

These experiences help pupils develop pride in their work and enthusiasm for practical learning.

The Impact of Our Design and Technology Curriculum

By the time pupils leave Manuden Primary School, they will:

  • Be confident designers, makers and problem-solvers
  • Understand how to plan, create and evaluate products
  • Have developed technical knowledge and practical skills
  • Be able to work independently and collaboratively
  • Show creativity, resilience and pride in their achievements

Pupils leave Manuden as innovative, skilled and confident learners, ready to apply their creativity and practical knowledge in school and beyond.