Design & Technology

Design & Technology (DT) at our school is an inspiring, practical subject where children learn to solve real problems with creativity and imagination. Our curriculum is shaped by the National Curriculum, the expertise of the Design & Technology Association, and the structured, high‑quality resources from the Oak National Academy. Together, these ensure that pupils develop strong design, making, and evaluation skills from Early Years to Year 6.

Our Vision for Design & Technology

The National Curriculum describes DT as a subject that enables pupils to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems, drawing on knowledge from mathematics, science, engineering, computing, and art. It emphasises creativity, innovation, risk‑taking, and developing a critical understanding of how design impacts daily life and the wider world. We fully embrace this vision. Our DT curriculum helps children become resourceful, enterprising, and capable young designers who understand how products are created and improved.

How We Use the D&T Association

The Design & Technology Association provides national leadership in DT education and supports schools in delivering high‑quality, progressive learning. Their guidance helps us ensure that:

Our curriculum is coherent and well‑sequenced, building skills year on year.
Children learn through practical problem‑solving, using a wide range of materials, tools, and techniques.
Lessons promote creativity, innovation, and resilience, encouraging children to test ideas, refine designs, and evaluate outcomes.
Units reflect real‑world contexts and consider users’ needs, wants, and values, aligning with national expectations.

This ensures that our teaching is aligned with national best practice and supports teachers in delivering engaging, purposeful DT lessons.

How We Use the Oak National Academy DT Curriculum

The Oak National Academy provides a free, expertly designed DT curriculum created in partnership with the D&T Association. It offers clear progression, high‑quality lesson sequences, and strong subject principles.

Key Features We Use from Oak National Academy

Context‑led units where pupils design and make prototypes that solve real‑world problems.
A strong focus on iterative design, encouraging children to test, adapt, and improve their ideas.
Lessons that build knowledge of materials, mechanisms, structures, systems, and nutrition.
Opportunities for pupils to evaluate their own work and the work of others, developing critical thinking.
Curriculum principles that emphasise coherence, progression, and subject‑specific needs

Please see The Peak Federation Design and Technology Policy below.