At Newton Burgoland Primary School, we believe that Design and Technology is an inspiring, practical and creative subject that encourages children to use their imagination to solve real and relevant problems. Through designing, making, evaluating and refining, pupils develop the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to become innovative thinkers and confident creators.

Design and Technology provides opportunities for children to apply their learning across the curriculum, drawing upon knowledge from science, mathematics, engineering, computing and art. Pupils are challenged to think critically, take risks, work collaboratively and develop practical solutions to a range of design challenges.

Through a carefully planned sequence of learning, children learn how to:

• Research and investigate existing products and designs.

• Generate and communicate creative ideas.

• Select and use appropriate tools, materials and equipment safely.

• Develop practical skills in construction, mechanisms, textiles and food technology.

• Evaluate and improve their designs and products.

• Understand the importance of functionality, sustainability and user needs.

Children are encouraged to see mistakes as valuable opportunities for learning and improvement. By testing, adapting and refining their ideas, pupils develop resilience, problem-solving skills and an understanding of the design process used by engineers, inventors, architects and designers.

Food and nutrition form an important part of our curriculum. Pupils learn about healthy eating, food preparation and where food comes from, helping them develop essential life skills and make informed choices about their health and wellbeing.

As pupils progress through the school, they become increasingly confident in applying their creativity, technical knowledge and practical skills to solve problems. We aim for every child to leave Newton Burgoland as an innovative, resourceful and reflective learner who understands how design and technology shape the world in which we live.

Design and Technology Progression

Our carefully sequenced Design and Technology curriculum enables children to build knowledge and skills progressively from Early Years through to Year 6. Pupils develop expertise within key areas including structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food technology. Through the ongoing cycle of designing, making and evaluating, children become increasingly confident in generating ideas, selecting appropriate materials and techniques, and creating purposeful products that meet specific design criteria.

By the end of Year 6, pupils have developed the creativity, technical knowledge and practical skills needed to become independent and thoughtful designers who can apply their learning to real-world challenges.

Developing STRIDE Through Design and Technology

Design and Technology provides rich opportunities for children to develop the STRIDE characteristics that are central to life at Newton Burgoland.

Scholarship is developed as pupils build technical knowledge, learn about materials, mechanisms, structures and nutrition, and apply their understanding to increasingly complex design challenges.

Teamwork is fostered through collaborative projects, where children learn to listen to others, share ideas, solve problems together and value the contributions of every member of the group.

Resilience is strengthened through the design process itself. Children learn that successful designs are rarely achieved on the first attempt and that testing, evaluating and improving are essential parts of learning.

Independence grows as pupils make decisions, select appropriate tools and materials, manage projects and take ownership of their ideas and outcomes.

Diversity and Respect are promoted through exploring designs, inventions and technologies from different cultures and communities. Children learn to respect differing viewpoints, consider the needs of others and design products for a wide range of users.

Enquiry is at the heart of every project. Pupils ask questions, investigate problems, research existing products and use evidence to inform their design decisions.