Design Technology education involves two important elements – learning about the designed and made world and how things work, and learning to design and make functional products for particular purposes and users.
Children acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of materials and components, mechanisms and control systems, structures, existing products, quality and health and safety.
The skills learned in Design Technology also help with learning across the curriculum. Knowledge about the properties of materials helps in science and the practice of measuring accurately helps in maths. These skills help in IT through the children’s use of computer control and, naturally, in art and design.
Design Technology education helps develop children’s skills through collaborative working and problem-solving, and knowledge in design, materials, structures, mechanisms and electrical control. They are encouraged to be creative and innovative, and are actively encouraged to think about important issues such as sustainability and enterprise.
There are three core activities children engage with in Design and Technology:
- Activities which involve investigating and evaluating existing products
- Focused tasks in which children develop particular aspects of knowledge and skills
- Designing and making activities in which children design and make ‘something’ for ‘somebody’ for ‘some purpose’
Design Technology Curriculum Topics of Study and Substantive Concepts
A sample of our Design Technology Curriculum
Document | Link |
Design Technology Subject Policy | View |
Design Technology Curriculum Overview | View |
Design Technology Substantive Concept Overview | View |
EYFS Design Technology Curriculum | View |
Year 1 Design Technology Curriculum | View |
Year 2 Design Technology Curriculum | View |
Year 3 Design Technology Curriculum | View |
Year 4 Design Technology Curriculum | View |
Year 5 Design Technology Curriculum | View |
Year 6 Design Technology Curriculum | View |