Intent

At Leyland Methodist Schools, our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to inspire pupils to become innovative and creative thinkers who understand the product design cycle through ideation, creation, and evaluation.

We want pupils to:

Develop the confidence to take risks, draft design concepts, model ideas, and test prototypes.

Become reflective learners who evaluate their work and the work of others.

Build an awareness of how design and technology impact everyday life.

Develop skills that will enable them to become resourceful, enterprising citizens who contribute to future design advancements.

Our curriculum is designed to ensure pupils meet the National Curriculum attainment targets by the end of each key stage. In EYFS (Reception), our units provide opportunities for children to work towards the Development Matters statements and Early Learning Goals.

Implementation

The National Curriculum for Design and Technology follows three main stages: design, make, and evaluate. We have implemented and refined the Kapow Primary scheme of work, tailoring it to the needs of our pupils. Each stage of the design process is supported by technical knowledge, which includes the contextual, historical, and technical understanding needed for each strand of the subject.

Our curriculum follows the five key strands of Design Technology:

• Design
• Make
• Evaluate
• Technical Knowledge
• Cooking and Nutrition

Throughout each unit, pupils respond to design briefs and real-world scenarios, considering the needs of others while developing their skills across six key areas:

• Mechanisms
• Structures
• Textiles
• Food Technology
• Electrical Systems (KS2)
• Digital World (KS2)

Each unit follows the design process (design, make, evaluate) and incorporates themes from either technical knowledge or cooking and nutrition. Our spiral curriculum ensures that key concepts are revisited at increasing levels of complexity, allowing pupils to build upon previous learning and refine their skills over time.

Impact

By following our well-structured Design and Technology curriculum, pupils will:

• Understand the functional and aesthetic properties of a range of materials and resources.
• Learn how to combine and use tools effectively for shaping, decorating, and manufacturing products.
• Apply a repertoire of skills and knowledge to produce high-quality, innovative designs, models, prototypes, and products that meet user needs.
• Develop an understanding of healthy eating, nutrition, and cooking processes, including key food groups and cooking equipment.
• Gain an appreciation of key individuals, inventions, and events in history that have influenced the modern world.
• Recognise the wider impact of design and technology, including social, community, and environmental considerations.
• Develop the ability to self-evaluate and reflect on their learning, identifying areas for improvement.
• Meet the end of key stage expectations outlined in the National Curriculum for Design and Technology.

Through our curriculum, we empower pupils to develop practical skills, creative problem-solving abilities, and a lifelong appreciation for design and innovation.