Design and Technology
At Monkspath School, our design and technology (D&T) curriculum encourages creativity, problem-solving, and practical thinking. We aim to equip pupils with the skills to design and make purposeful products, while developing an understanding of materials, tools, and the impact of design on everyday life. Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum for Design and Technology at Key Stages 1 and 2.
What We Teach
Our D&T curriculum enables children to:
- Design purposeful, functional, and appealing products based on clear criteria.
- Select and use a range of tools, materials, and components effectively.
- Explore and evaluate existing products and their own creations.
- Understand and apply principles of mechanics, structures, and nutrition.
Children engage in a variety of projects across textiles, construction, food technology, and digital design. They learn to take creative risks and develop resilience through iterative design processes.
How We Teach
Design and technology is taught through:
- Practical, hands-on lessons that follow the cycle of design, make, evaluate.
- Cross-curricular links.
- Opportunities for collaborative work, problem-solving, and innovation.
We use real-life contexts to make learning meaningful. Lessons are sequenced to build on prior knowledge and develop technical skills over time.
What Children Learn and How We Assess
Children develop confidence in using tools and materials safely and effectively. They learn to:
- Communicate ideas through drawings, models, and digital tools.
- Reflect on their work and improve designs based on feedback.
- Understand the role of design in society and the environment.
Assessment includes:
- Observation and questioning during lessons.
- Review of design books, prototypes, and final products.
- Reviews of learning and knowledge checks, for example through PoP tasks.
- Pupil voice and self-assessment to reflect on progress and outcomes.
This ensures pupils are developing secure knowledge and practical skills in design and technology and are well-prepared for future learning.
Key curriculum information
Years 1-6 Progression Framework