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Learning and Curriculum

Design Technology

Statement of Intent for Design Technology

Design Technology embodies some of the highest forms of human creativity and technological advancement and we believe that it is our duty to develop cultural appreciation of designers, engineers, textile artists and chefs, and to develop knowledge of key individuals and their contributions in this field. It is through these key principles that we engage, inspire and challenge pupils whilst equipping them with knowledge and skills to explore, invent and create their own works of design and innovation.

At Masefield, Design Technology is taught as a discrete subject in order that the development of knowledge and skills is taught meaningfully and explicitly. Naturally, links are made to other areas of the curriculum but this does not dilute the quality and entitlement of high quality Design Technology teaching.

 

Design Technology Curriculum

The school’s long term plan for Design Technology sets out the content of teaching within in each year group. This is supported by the school’s Design Technology progression document which demonstrates learning outcomes within each strand of development within a Design Technology unit. Short term planning details how this content is developed over a series of lessons within the unit of work.  The organisation of the Design Technology curriculum provides structured opportunities for pupils to:

  • record responses, including observations of the natural and made environment;

  • gather resources and materials, using them to stimulate and develop ideas;

  • explore and use two and three-dimensional media, working on a variety of scales;

  • review and modify their work as it progresses;

  • develop understanding of the work of designers, engineers, chefs, artists and craftspeople, from a range of times and cultures, applying knowledge to their own work;

  • respond to and evaluate design and technology including their own and others’ work;

  • show development in their ability to create designs and products;

  • understand and apply the basic principles of design and technology including: mechanisms, textiles, food, structures and electrical systems;

  • realise their ideas and sustain a level of working from start to the completion of a project or a piece of work.

Design Technology Curriculum

Design Technology Journey

 

Design Technology Policy

Design Technology Policy

 

Knowledge Organisers for Design Technology

Below is an example knowledge organiser from each year group for Design Technology:

Year One - Mechanisms

Year Two - Structures

Year Three - Structures

Year Four - Structures

Year Five - Mechanisms

Year Six - Food

These are sent home each half term as part of the curriculum overviews. EYFS Knowledge Organisers can be found in the EYFS tab.

 

High quality texts underpinning our Design Technology curriculum

Design Technology is promoted throughout our core lessons at Masefield which means knowledge and vocabulary is consistently being revisited throughout the curriculum. We use high quality fiction and non-fiction texts to inspire our children to create high quality pieces of writing, encourage the love of reading and embed their Design Technology skills further.

Our Award Winning Provision for Design Technology

The Design and Technology Mark - In Progress

The Design and Technology Mark is a quality mark awarded to primary schools who are providing excellent teaching and learning in Design and Technology. It provides an opportunity for schools to undertake a rigorous evaluation process and strengthen their practices within Design and Technology. Schools who achieve the award have clearly demonstrated the quality of their provision, ensuring that they are providing the best possible experiences for the children to give them the skills and knowledge needed to excel now and in later life.

Other Relevant Information

Below you will find more information relevant to the teaching of Design Technology at Masefield Primary School.

 

Our children are given opportunities to apply their Design Technology skills more independently by working on projects at home and with their families. We have held several competitions where children are challenged to create a range of free-standing structures at home, such as houses and landmarks within Bolton. This allows children to take their passion for designing and making home, and to work together with their families to create some outstanding pieces of work.

To enhance the delivery of the curriculum, we work with outside agencies and providers. For example, children in Year Six visit Bolton Schools ICT when studying the Electrical Systems unit. This allows them access to a greater range of resources.

We also provide a range of Design Technology clubs throughout the school year. For example, pupils in Year One and Two had the opportunity to build their own wooden toys! They followed the Design Technology journey, as they would with any Design Technology unit of work, to design, make and evaluate their very own moving wooden toys! They used tools such as screwdrivers, screws, sandpaper and dowels to build their toys. This deepens and enhances the learning that takes place in the classroom.

Studying a range of designers, engineers, chefs, artists and craftspeople in Design Technology is vital for children's holistic development and creativity. Here are the key reasons:

1. Encourages Creative Thinking and Innovation

Exposure to a diverse range of designers, engineers, chefs, artists and craftspeople inspires children to think creatively and develop original ideas. By seeing how professionals solve problems through design, children learn to approach tasks with innovation and imagination.

2. Builds Cultural and Historical Understanding

Design Technology is deeply influenced by cultural traditions and historical contexts. Studying a variety of designers and makers helps children understand how textiles, fashion, food and architecture reflect society, values, and technological advancements over time.

3. Develops Practical Skills and Technical Knowledge

By examining a wide range of work, children are introduced to different materials, construction methods, and design processes. This builds confidence and competence in using tools, techniques, and textiles effectively and safely.

4. Promotes Diversity and Representation

Learning about designers from a variety of cultures, backgrounds, and eras ensures all pupils feel represented and valued. It broadens their perspectives and encourages respect for diverse contributions to design and architecture globally.

5. Enhances Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking

Designers and architects are, at their core, problem-solvers. Studying their work helps children develop resilience and critical thinking, as they learn to analyse design choices, consider function and aesthetics, and evaluate outcomes.

6. Inspires Aspiration and Career Awareness

Exposure to the work of real-world designers, engineers, chefs, artists and craftspeople introduces children to possible career paths and helps them understand the relevance of Design Technology beyond the classroom. It encourages ambition and a belief that they, too, can contribute to the designed world.

 

The designers, engineers, chefs, artists and craftspeople our children study are:

Year One - James Fox and George Stephenson

Year Two - Robert Sabuda, Isambard Brunel and Jamie Oliver

Year Three - Richard Arkwright, Coco Chanel and Gustave Eiffel

Year Four - James Dyson, Heston Blumenthal and Thomas Edison

Year Five - Peter Rice, Faith Ringgold and Margaret E. Knight

Year Six - Sir Jony Ive and Lisa Goodwin-Allen

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