Design Technology Curriculum Intent Statement
At Our Lady and St Joseph Catholic Primary School, Design Technology (DT) holds a vital place within our curriculum, reflecting our mission of “Searching faithfully for excellence.” DT nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and practical skills, empowering pupils to explore and innovate with confidence and perseverance. Rooted in our Gospel values of love, respect, stewardship, honesty, hope, justice, and forgiveness, the DT curriculum encourages pupils to respect materials, collaborate with others, and develop resilience as they design and create purposeful products. It supports our vision of developing well-rounded learners who are confident, responsible, and equipped to contribute positively to their communities and the wider world.
Key Aims
Our DT curriculum aims to develop pupils’ knowledge and skills in designing, making, and evaluating products through engaging, hands-on projects aligned with the Projects on a Page scheme. We strive to ensure pupils:
- Master essential technical skills and knowledge relevant to Key Stage 1 and 2, including using tools and materials safely and effectively.
- Build creativity and critical thinking by solving real-world problems through design.
- Develop confidence in expressing their ideas, planning, and adapting their work based on evaluation.
- Understand the importance of sustainability and stewardship by considering materials’ impact and reusing resources thoughtfully.
- Foster resilience and collaboration, reflecting our Catholic values, as pupils work individually and in teams.
Content and Skills
Pupils gain a solid foundation in the core principles of DT, progressing from simple mechanisms, structures, and textiles in Key Stage 1 to more complex projects involving electrical systems, food technology, and computer-aided design in Key Stage 2. They learn to:
- Identify design criteria and explore existing products to inspire their ideas.
- Develop practical skills in cutting, joining, shaping, and finishing materials with precision.
- Use iterative design processes, including prototyping and testing, to refine their outcomes.
- Apply knowledge of materials and mechanisms to create functional and aesthetically pleasing products.
- Communicate their ideas clearly through drawings, models, and digital tools.
Progression
Learning in DT is carefully sequenced to build increasingly complex knowledge and skills. Early years and Key Stage 1 focus on exploration, familiarisation with tools, and basic design concepts. As pupils move into Key Stage 2, they revisit and deepen these concepts through more challenging projects that require planning, problem-solving, and evaluation. This progression ensures pupils build secure mental models and fluency, enabling them to transfer skills confidently across contexts and subjects. Regular retrieval, spaced practice, and reflection support retention and mastery, addressing identified gaps and ensuring all pupils, including those with SEND, access a broad and ambitious curriculum.
Wider Impact
Design Technology at Our Lady and St Joseph’s contributes significantly to pupils’ personal development and future readiness. It nurtures perseverance, adaptability, and ethical awareness—qualities essential for lifelong learning and citizenship. By engaging with local and global contexts through design challenges, pupils develop a sense of justice and stewardship, aligning with our school’s values. DT also fosters communication and collaboration skills, preparing pupils for secondary education and beyond. Through creative expression and practical problem-solving, pupils gain confidence and a sense of achievement, supporting their well-being and aspiration to pursue excellence in all areas of life.
Our DT curriculum, supported by our strong Catholic ethos and commitment to inclusion, equips every pupil to flourish as a creative, thoughtful, and responsible designer and maker.