What Design and Technology looks like at St Mary's
At St Mary's, children use creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. They learn to think critically, work collaboratively, and build resilience as they explore how things work and how they can be improved.
Through hands-on projects—such as designing moving vehicles, creating healthy snacks, or building models—pupils develop skills in planning, making, testing, and evaluating. They learn to use tools and materials safely and effectively, combining knowledge from science, maths, and art to bring their ideas to life.
DT lessons encourage independence, curiosity, and innovation, helping children see themselves as the designers, engineers, and inventors of the future.
Intent
At our school, Design and Technology (DT) inspires children to use their creativity and imagination to design and make purposeful products for real-life situations. We aim to give pupils the skills to become resourceful, innovative, and reflective thinkers who are confident in solving problems. Our DT curriculum encourages links with other subjects such as science, mathematics, art, and computing, helping children understand how design affects their everyday lives and the wider world.
Implementation
DT is taught through engaging, hands-on projects that follow the design process: research, plan, make, and evaluate. Pupils explore a range of materials and tools safely, applying technical knowledge to bring their designs to life. Lessons are practical and often linked to class topics to give meaningful context.
Children work individually and collaboratively to develop their ideas, learning to test and refine their work based on feedback. Skills build progressively across the school, from simple model-making in early years to more complex mechanisms, structures, and programming projects in upper key stage 2.
Early Years
In the Early Years, children begin to explore how things are made and how they work through play and practical experiences. They use a wide range of materials and construction resources to build, join, and create, developing early problem-solving and fine motor skills. Pupils are encouraged to talk about their ideas, test them out, and make improvements along the way. Through imaginative play and hands-on exploration, children learn to design with purpose, experiment safely, and take pride in creating something of their own.
Key Stage 1
In Key Stage 1, children start to plan and make products for specific users and purposes. They learn to follow the design process—researching, designing, making, and evaluating—while using simple tools and materials safely. Projects such as making moving vehicles, designing a fruit salad, or creating a model with a purpose help pupils connect learning to real-life contexts. Through discussion and reflection, they develop an understanding of how things are designed to meet people’s needs and how their own ideas can make a difference.
Key Stage 2
In Key Stage 2, pupils deepen their knowledge of the design process by tackling increasingly complex problems. They research existing products, generate and communicate ideas in a range of ways, and apply their understanding of materials, structures, mechanics, and electrical systems. Children use tools with growing accuracy and independence, evaluating and improving their designs thoughtfully. Computing and coding are introduced through control and monitoring projects, reflecting the modern role of technology in design. By the end of KS2, pupils are confident, creative designers who can think critically, work collaboratively, and see themselves as capable innovators for the future.
Inclusion and Adaptation in Design and Technology
Our Design and Technology curriculum is fully inclusive and designed to ensure that all pupils can take part, succeed, and develop confidence as designers and makers. Lessons are carefully planned so that every child can access practical tasks through appropriate scaffolding, adapted tools and materials, and a range of teaching approaches that support different learning needs. Where necessary, tasks are broken down into smaller steps and additional adult support is provided to enable all pupils to participate safely and independently.
We recognise that children have different strengths and experiences, so we provide opportunities for a variety of ways to record ideas, design, and evaluate, including drawing, talking, modelling, and using digital tools. Adaptations are made to ensure that physical, sensory, or cognitive needs do not limit participation in practical activities. High expectations are maintained for all learners, with challenge and support carefully balanced so that every child can develop their creativity, problem-solving skills, and understanding of design processes.
Impact
By the time children leave our school, they are confident problem-solvers who can apply their technical skills and creative thinking to new challenges. They understand the design process and can communicate their ideas clearly. Pupils take pride in their work, showing perseverance, curiosity, and an appreciation for innovation.
Our DT curriculum prepares children for the practical world around them and helps them see how design and technology shape everyday life — inspiring the engineers, inventors, and makers of the future.
How you can help at home
You can support your child’s learning in Design and Technology by encouraging them to explore, design, build, and problem-solve in everyday life. Simple activities such as cooking together, building with construction toys, sewing, or creating models from recycled materials help develop practical skills and creativity. Talking about how everyday products are made and why they are designed in certain ways can also deepen their understanding of the world around them.
Visiting places in London can further inspire curiosity and creativity. Museums and interactive spaces such as the Science Museum, Design Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum offer fantastic opportunities for children to see real-life examples of engineering, design, and innovation. Many of these venues are free and provide hands-on exhibits that bring learning to life.
Encouraging your child to plan, test, and improve their own ideas at home will help build confidence, resilience, and a strong understanding of the design process.