Intent

At St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, we believe that Design and Technology is a vital and fully inclusive subject that enables all children to develop creativity, independence and problem‑solving skills. Our DT curriculum encourages pupils to use their imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts.

Through a carefully planned and progressive curriculum, pupils are inspired by engineers, designers, chefs and architects. Children develop skills and knowledge in structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food preparation, enabling them to understand how ideas are developed into functional products. Our curriculum map ensures clear progression from Reception to Year 6, building confidence, resilience and technical understanding as children move through the school.

Implementation

Design and Technology is block taught termly, allowing pupils to fully immerse themselves in each project, develop skills over time and see their work through to a completed outcome. Each unit follows the design process of investigating, designing, making and evaluating, ensuring consistency and progression across all year groups.

The curriculum map outlines a clear sequence of learning:

• In Early Years and Key Stage 1, pupils explore materials, simple structures, textiles and basic food preparation.
• In Lower Key Stage 2, children build on prior learning through sewing projects, moving mechanisms and stronger structures.
• In Upper Key Stage 2, pupils apply more advanced skills through cams, electrical systems, construction projects and textiles, including upcycling.

All pupils are provided with an age‑appropriate knowledge organiser for each topic, outlining key information, technical vocabulary and the end product to be created. These are used regularly within lessons and shared with families to support learning beyond the classroom.

Children have access to high‑quality resources, including specialist DT equipment and fresh cooking ingredients. Equipment is organised within a designated DT resource area, and project‑specific resources are ordered termly to ensure consistency and quality across the school. Learning is evidenced via Seesaw, with pupils recording photographs, videos and outcomes from each DT lesson. Verbal feedback is provided throughout lessons, allowing children to reflect, edit and improve their work during the design and making process.

Impact

As a result of our Design and Technology curriculum, pupils at St John Fisher develop into creative, confident and capable designers and makers who enjoy practical learning. They understand the purpose of Design and Technology and can clearly explain how products are designed, made and evaluated.

Children are able to:

• Analyse existing products and identify what makes them effective
• Design and make purposeful products for a range of users
• Evaluate and refine their ideas using appropriate technical vocabulary
• Develop practical skills across textiles, construction, mechanisms, electrical systems and cooking

Pupils demonstrate confidence when selecting tools, materials and techniques, while following safe working practices. As they move through the school, they build a secure understanding of the design process and develop resilience when refining and improving their work. By the time they leave St John Fisher Catholic Primary School, pupils have acquired the knowledge, skills and vocabulary needed to participate confidently in an increasingly technological world and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.