At Sowerby Primary Academy we offer an inclusive and supportive DT curriculum, enabling all children to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems within a variety of contexts. The wide range of design experiences gives them opportunities to use various tools, materials, technologies and design processes. 

This curriculum is rooted in The EYFS Framework and developed through the National Curriculum and Elevate Progression Model, with a focus on creativity, problem-solving skills and technical knowledge. Pupils will investigate, design, make and evaluate, products. They will develop their ideas, considering functionality and aesthetics. 

All pupils will take part in progressive lessons, beginning with the foundation of explicitly taught knowledge, vocabulary and skills. These will be revisited and built on over time. This will enable them to produce and talk about their own products with a sense of pride and growing proficiency.  

From Saplings Nursery onwards children begin to develop foundational knowledge through exploring how objects work (e.g. mechanisms, wheels, hinges, levers), safely using small tools, joining techniques, construction materials and handling materials such as card, foil, wood and playdough. Here they will begin their knowledge of key vocabulary such as tools and techniques (scissors, hammer, screw, fold, push, join), construction/making (hinge, slider, axles) as well as materials and their properties (wood, plastic, string, flexible, waterproof). 

It also aims to develop children’s personal, social and emotional skills by inspiring them, stimulating their curiosity and igniting a passion for creativity and innovation where they will have opportunities to work with others, as well as alone.  Children will develop both critical thinking and problem-solving skills through questioning so they can articulate and communicate their ideas effectively using the range of taught DT-based vocabulary. 

Promoting contextual learning plays a key role in our curriculum to ensure that pupils understand the real-life relevance and impact of design technology and how these are applied in the home, industry and professional life. 

Teaching staff have the required technical knowledge and skills, enabling them to model, demonstrate and talk through their thinking processes. They will guide pupils effectively in designing and making successful products. 

Lessons are well-planned with a balance between investigating existing products, designing and evaluating their own, and applying their knowledge and skills practically.  Children are given time to practice and experiment with tools and materials before using them in a project.  

Lessons/provision in EYFS are part of the Core Foundations including Expressive Arts and Design, Physical Development and Understanding the World. 

Lessons in KS 1 are based on Mechanisms, Structures, Textiles and Healthy Food. These are revisited and built upon in KS 2 and in addition they learn about Computer Programming and Electrical systems. 

Adaptations are made so that all pupils can design and make effective products. This is seen in a variety of ways such as visual instructions, chunky tools, pre-cut components and sensory-friendly materials. 

Pupils are encouraged to work collaboratively, sharing ideas in the process of problem-solving. 

Health and safety is embedded into all lessons, with appropriate risk assessments conducted. High quality tools and materials are provided for the children to use.  

The pupils’ development is well-supported with clear instructions, individual attention and constructive feedback. 

Cross-curricular and contextual links are made so that children can see how a need or problem has been solved through design technology in different cultures, societies, periods of history and so forth.  

Mechanisms - such as axels, levers, sliders, pneumatics, hinges, and cams. 

Textiles- joining with pinning, tacking, stitching, gluing. Using patterns/templates and cutting safely. 

Food- cooking healthy meals/snacks, cutting, chopping, slicing, heating, following and writing recipes. 

Structures – use of card, glue and tape to create stability, strength and load bearing. Using wood and associated cutting and joining techniques. 

Computer programming – controlled electronic systems, monitoring, programming and controlling functions.  

Electrical systems – circuits, switches, lights and buzzers.