Design & Technology
"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." Steve Jobs
Design & Technology Team: Miss M Watson, Mr F Koralambe and Miss M Cottrill
Our purpose:
At Rack House Primary School, our design and technology curriculum is a dynamic and ambitious subject that enables pupils to become resourceful, innovative and capable learners. Using creativity and imagination, children design and make purposeful products that solve real and relevant problems. They do this within a variety of meaningful contexts, considering the needs, values and preferences of themselves and others.
Our curriculum aims to foster curiosity, critical thinking and resilience by challenging pupils to apply their knowledge practically. Drawing on a wide range of disciplines — including mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art — pupils develop technical understanding alongside the ability to make informed, reflective decisions about design and functionality. In doing so, they learn to think like designers, engineers and makers.
Design and technology at Rack House is underpinned by the belief that children should be taught to take risks, work collaboratively and reflect constructively. They learn how to plan, prototype, refine and evaluate, developing a secure grasp of the iterative nature of the design process.
Our approach ensures that pupils are not only taught how to make well-crafted products, but also to understand the impact of design and technology on everyday life and the wider world — both historically and in contemporary society. Through the exploration of influential designers and the consideration of sustainability, innovation and user-focused design, pupils are supported to become thoughtful contributors to an ever-changing technological landscape.
Design and technology at Rack House contributes meaningfully to the development of practical skills, critical awareness and creative confidence. It prepares pupils to participate successfully in an increasingly technological and design-led world.
National Curriculum link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-design-and-technology-programmes-of-study
Our Curriculum Overview:
How we teach Design & Technology:
At Rack House, our design and technology curriculum is carefully sequenced to build secure knowledge, confidence and independence. Pupils engage in a cyclical process of research, design, make and evaluate, developing fluency in applying their ideas creatively and practically.
Each unit is structured around a clear design brief or problem-solving context. This encourages purposeful learning where children design for real users and needs. Technical knowledge and skills — including mechanisms, structures, textiles, electrical systems and food — are introduced progressively and revisited over time to support retention and depth.
Practical work is central to each unit. Pupils use tools, materials and components safely and with increasing accuracy. From Early Years onwards, children explore how to make things function and improve them. In Key Stage 2, they apply their understanding with greater independence, working to a brief, testing ideas and refining outcomes.
Food and nutrition is an essential strand, with pupils learning about healthy eating, seasonality and cooking skills in line with the National Curriculum. This aspect contributes directly to pupils’ health and wellbeing.
Enrichment is woven throughout the subject. Pupils take part in enterprise events, design challenges and workshops. These experiences help them to see the value of design and technology in the real world and strengthen links with the wider community.
Assessment is ongoing and purposeful, focusing on pupils’ ability to apply key knowledge, evaluate their work and articulate their design thinking. Work is reviewed not just on its final outcome, but on the processes and decision-making pupils demonstrate throughout.
The Results of our Approach:
By the time they leave us, pupils will:
- Design purposeful, functional products for real users and needs
- Apply technical knowledge confidently across materials, systems and food
- Use tools and equipment safely and accurately
- Evaluate and improve their work using appropriate technical vocabulary
- Understand the role of design and technology in improving lives and shaping the world
The impact of our design and technology curriculum is evidenced through:
Pupil Engagement: Pupils show high levels of motivation, focus and pride in their practical work. This is reflected in pupil voice, high-quality outcomes, and participation in design-themed events and challenges.
Technical Confidence and Creativity: Children demonstrate increasing independence and creativity in their design thinking. They are able to discuss and refine their ideas, showing resilience and enthusiasm when solving problems.
Subject Knowledge and Progression: Pupils make secure progress in both disciplinary and substantive knowledge, as seen in assessments, floor books and practical outcomes. This reflects our high expectations and rigorous curriculum design.
Real-World Awareness: Pupils understand how products are designed and made, and recognise the importance of sustainability, innovation and user needs. They leave with a strong foundation for further study and real-life application.
Progression of skills:
Useful Links:
- BBC Bitesize - Design & Technology
KS1 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/z9mwtcw
Ks2 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/subjects/zkxjh4j
Useful website with lots of facts, videos and activities for children to use to extend their DT knowledge.