Design & Technology

Intent

At St. John’s, our Design and Technology curriculum aims to inspire creativity, innovation, and resilience in our pupils, equipping them with the skills and confidence to design, make, and evaluate products that solve real-world problems. Rooted in our school’s values, the curriculum encourages pupils to think critically, act resourcefully, and work collaboratively while developing a strong understanding of the impact of design and technology on their lives and the wider world.

Through engaging and practical learning experiences, we will:

Develop Practical Skills: Teach pupils the essential techniques, tools, and processes needed to design and create high-quality products, ensuring progression in skill and understanding across year groups.
Encourage Creativity and Innovation: Inspire pupils to generate imaginative ideas and develop functional, aesthetic, and sustainable solutions to real-world challenges.
Promote Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Support pupils in identifying user needs, planning thoughtfully, and evaluating their designs, fostering resilience, adaptability, and reflective thinking.
Make Cross-Curricular Connections: Enable pupils to apply their learning from subjects such as mathematics, science, and art to deepen their understanding and enrich their design work.
Inspire Environmental Responsibility: Encourage pupils to consider the impact of materials, processes, and designs on the environment, promoting sustainability and responsible design choices.

We aim to empower pupils at St. John’s to become resourceful, skilled, and creative individuals who are confident in their ability to contribute to an ever-changing world. Our curriculum fosters a sense of pride, curiosity, and purpose, preparing pupils for future learning and inspiring them to use their skills to make a positive difference in their communities and beyond.

Curriculum

Year

Autumn

Spring

Summer

EYFS

Food – Tasting, Preferences, Harvest

Mechanisms - Levers and Linkages (Moving Creature – Split Pins)

Structures – Junk Modelling (habitats)

Textiles (e.g. Puppet)

Mechanisms – Wheels and Axles

Structures (e.g. Castle)

Mechanisms – Sliders and Levers

Food (e.g. Preparation of Fruit and Vegetables)

Mechanical Systems (e.g. Greeting Card)

Food (e.g. Sandwich)

Textiles (e.g. Wallet)

Electrical Systems (e.g. Night Light)

Structures (e.g. Gift Box)

Mechanical Systems – Pulleys or Gears

Food (e.g. Hot Cross Buns)

Structures (e.g. Sukkah or Greek Temple)

Electrical Systems

Textiles (e.g. School Mascot)

Impact

The impact of the Design and Technology curriculum at St. John’s will be evident in the creativity, skills, and attitudes pupils develop as they progress through the school. By the time pupils leave St. John’s, they will be confident, resourceful, and reflective learners, capable of using their knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems and create purposeful products.

Impact on Pupils

Practical Proficiency: Pupils will have developed a wide range of practical skills, confidently using tools, materials, and techniques to design and make high-quality products.
Creative and Innovative Thinking: Pupils will approach challenges with creativity and originality, generating and realising ideas that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and sustainable.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Pupils will be skilled in identifying user needs, planning effectively, and evaluating their designs, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in refining their work.
Cross-Curricular Application: Pupils will confidently apply their knowledge from other subjects, such as mathematics, science, and art, enhancing their understanding and enriching their design processes.

Through our Design and Technology curriculum at St. John’s, we aim to nurture pupils who are creative, resourceful, and reflective, ready to use their skills and knowledge to address challenges and contribute to a better, more sustainable world.