Design and Technology
In Reception, DT is introduced through Understanding the World, where children explore materials, design for a purpose, and develop early construction skills both indoors and outdoors. Across Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils complete three DT units each year: a textiles project for the Christmas Fayre, a cooking project linked to school meals, and a summer 3D project involving structures, mechanisms, and electrical systems. Learning is rooted in the ‘Big Ideas’ of DT, revisited through research, discussion, practical work, and creative expression. We emphasise key vocabulary, use shared mind maps to connect concepts and reinforce “forever facts,” and celebrate achievements with end-of-unit showcases. Our approach encourages curiosity, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of how design impacts the world.