DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

At Blenheim Primary School, Design and Technology is an inspiring, practical and creative subject that enables children to solve real and relevant problems through designing, making and evaluating purposeful products.

Our curriculum is carefully sequenced to develop children's substantive knowledge, disciplinary knowledge and practical skills across five key areas: Structures, Mechanical Systems, Electrical Systems, Textiles and Food & Nutrition. Through engaging projects, children investigate existing products, develop and communicate ideas, select and use appropriate tools and materials safely, and evaluate their work through an iterative design process. This enables children to become confident, creative and reflective designers.

Children are encouraged to work independently and collaboratively, sharing ideas, solving problems and learning from one another. Throughout the curriculum they develop technical knowledge, practical skills and resilience while creating products for specific users and purposes. Design and Technology also provides opportunities for children to apply their learning across the wider curriculum and equips them with valuable life skills beyond the classroom.

The long-term plan for our school is outlined below:

Year 1

Autumn Term
Mechanisms
(Christmas Cards)

Spring Term
Structures
(Chair for Teddy)

Summer Term
Food & Nutrition
(Ice Lollies)

Year 2

Autumn Term
Food & Nutrition
(Smoothies)

Spring Term
Textiles
(Finger Puppets)

Summer Term
Structures (with Mechanisms)
(Windmills)

Year 3

Autumn Term
Food & Nutrition
(Design a Healthy Lunchbox)

Spring Term
Textiles
(Tote Bags)

Summer Term
Mechanical Systems
(Hydraulic Canopic Jars)

Year 4

Autumn Term
Electrical Systems
(Buzz Game)

Spring Term
Food & Nutrition
(Bruschetta)

Summer Term
Mechanical Systems
(Levers and Linkages)

Year 5

Autumn Term
Structures
(Bridges)

Spring Term
Food & Nutrition
(Salsa)

Summer Term
Mechanical Systems
(Cardboard CAM Toys)

Year 6

Autumn Term
Food & Nutrition
(Woolton Pie)

Spring Term
Textiles
(Jellycat/Teddy Bears)

Summer Term
Electrical Systems
(Electric Quiz Boards)

Please see the documents below for further information about our Design and Technology curriculum:

Design & Technology Progression Document - Substantive and Disciplinary Knowledge

Design & Technology Long-Term Plan

Design Technology at Home

If you and your child would like to continue exploring Design and Technology at home, the following websites provide a range of exciting projects, engineering challenges and practical activities:

• Fun STEM Activities – Activities from the Institution of Engineering and Technology
• D&T Activities – Home learning from STEM Learning
• Free D&T Home Learning – STEM challenges from Practical Action

Design and Technology is all around us! Children can continue developing their skills at home by helping with cooking, constructing models, sewing, designing products, repairing everyday objects and completing practical STEM challenges.