Design Technology
Our Vision
At Moss Park, we see Design and Technology (DT) as a vital subject that prepares children for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world. Through creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning, children explore real-life problems and develop innovative solutions. From the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through Key Stages 1 and 2, DT enables pupils to design, make, and evaluate purposeful products while developing technical knowledge, life skills, and a sense of curiosity about the world.
Our curriculum is underpinned by exciting, practical projects that encourage collaboration, resourcefulness, and risk-taking. By engaging with tools, techniques, and cross-curricular learning from subjects like science, maths, computing, and art, pupils develop confidence and skills that are transferable to other areas of life and learning.
Our Aims
Develop the creative and technical skills to design, make, and evaluate products that solve real-world problems.
Build knowledge and proficiency in key areas such as structures, mechanical systems, electrical systems, textiles, and cooking and nutrition.
Explore and be inspired by the work of influential designers, architects, and engineers.
Think critically about their work and the work of others, using evaluation to drive improvement.
Gain essential life skills, including safe and effective use of tools and equipment, and an understanding of healthy cooking and nutrition.
Apply skills and knowledge from other subjects, including science, maths, computing, and art.
Implementation
Our Design and Technology curriculum begins in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and progresses through Key Stages 1 and 2, ensuring a cohesive and inspiring learning journey.
EYFS: The Foundation for DT Learning
In EYFS, DT is taught primarily through Expressive Arts and Design and Physical Development. High-quality experiences allow children to:
Safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools, and techniques.
Experiment with colour, design, texture, form, and function.
Apply their knowledge of media and materials in creative and purposeful ways.
Opportunities for DT in EYFS include:
Construction Area: Access to a range of kits to build, stack, join, balance, and adapt constructions.
Art Area: Opportunities to use tools, techniques, and materials creatively.
Fine Motor Skills: Activities like threading, sewing, hammering, cutting, and punching to develop essential motor skills.
Key Stages 1 and 2: Building on Foundations
From Key Stage 1 onwards, our DT curriculum follows the ‘Projects on a Page’ framework by the Design and Technology Association. This spiral curriculum ensures key areas are revisited with increasing complexity, allowing children to deepen their understanding and skills over time.
Each project follows the design, make, and evaluate cycle, supported by the development of technical knowledge. Termly blocks of approximately six hours are allocated for each project, focusing on areas such as:
Structures
Mechanical Systems
Electrical Systems and Control
Textiles
Cooking and Nutrition
Cooking and Nutrition is taught annually across all year groups to promote essential life skills and healthy living. An additional STEM-focused project on Electrical Systems is included in Key Stage 2, enhancing pupils' understanding of control and systems thinking.
Projects are designed to be cross-curricular, drawing on skills from science, maths, computing, and art, and incorporating digital tools such as computer-aided design. Children also explore the work of influential designers and learn to create products for specific users and purposes, ensuring their learning is meaningful and relevant.
