DT Intent

At Springwood Federation, our intent is to develop pupils’ creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills through a broad and balanced Design and Technology curriculum. We aim to inspire pupils to design and make products that are functional, innovative, and relevant to real-world contexts.

Our curriculum encourages pupils to think critically and independently, applying technical knowledge and practical skills across food, textiles, electrical systems, structures, and mechanisms. We want pupils to develop confidence in designing, making, and evaluating their own products while understanding the impact of their choices on users and the environment.

DT Implementation

Our DT curriculum is carefully sequenced to build knowledge and skills progressively from EYFS through Year 6, covering key areas such as food preparation, textiles, mechanisms, electrical systems, and structures.

Implementation includes:

• Long-term and medium-term plans that outline clear learning objectives, technical vocabulary, and outcomes for each unit.
• Hands-on projects that allow pupils to design, make, and evaluate products such as fruit salads, moon buggies, purses, night lights, bird hides, and festival sandals.
• Integration of computing where appropriate, for example programming and controlling electrical circuits.
• Opportunities for pupils to explore cultural and seasonal themes through food and textiles projects.
• Focus on technical knowledge including healthy eating, mechanical principles, fabric properties, and electrical components.
• Differentiated teaching and support to meet the needs of all learners, including SEND pupils.
• Regular assessment of design ideas, making skills, and product evaluations to inform planning and celebrate progress.

DT Impact

As a result of our intent and implementation:

• Pupils demonstrate creativity, technical competence, and confidence in designing and making a wide range of products.
• They apply knowledge of materials, mechanisms, and electrical systems effectively to solve problems.
• Pupils evaluate their own and others’ products thoughtfully, suggesting improvements and reflecting on user needs.
• Attainment and progress in DT reflect strong engagement and skill development across all year groups.
• Subject leaders and governors monitor curriculum delivery and pupil outcomes to ensure continuous improvement.
• Pupils develop a lifelong appreciation for design and technology as a creative and practical discipline.