Intent Overview 

The Design and Technology (DT) curriculum at Widden aims to encourage a creative and exciting environment where our children develop an appreciation for diversity, a sense of belonging within the wider community and a commitment to integrity in both their creative process and interactions with others. Our curriculum is designed to equip children with the necessary life skills and knowledge to be analytical thinkers and problem solvers, while allowing them to express themselves fully through various technological experiences such as: cooking, electrical skills, structures and designing larger pieces both collaboratively and independently.

Values                                                                                                                                                              
The DT curriculum at Widden is founded on the principles of diversity, community, and integrity. We believe that every child, regardless of background, should have the opportunity to engage with the curriculum in ways that are creative, inclusive and empowering. Our approach is centered on developing a sense of belonging and joint responsibility while encouraging individual creativity. We aim to develop confident, innovative and ethically-minded learners who respect and understand the role of technology in the world.

Curriculum Plan
Our curriculum vision for DT is to equip children with the skills, knowledge and mindsets they need to grow in a rapidly changing world. By engaging with real-world problems, children will have a greater understanding of how design impacts our lives and the environment, while developing critical thinking, problem-solving and whole class skills. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on cooking, integrating ICT, engineering, art and maths with a focus on hands-on learning and practical experiences that make learning relevant and exciting.

We aspire to create a curriculum that nurtures children’s curiosity and encourages them to explore, experiment and make connections between the world around them and the tools they use. This curriculum fosters a growth mindset ensuring that children embrace challenges, learn from mistakes and celebrate their achievements.

Scope of the Curriculum
The Design and Technology curriculum spans the entire primary phase from EYFS through to Year 6. It provides a framework for developing key skills and understanding in design, materials, construction, and evaluation. The scope includes:

• EYFS and KS1:
  Early exposure to the basics of design, materials and construction. Children will begin by exploring how things are made and will engage in simple open-ended design challenges that encourage creativity and critical thinking.

• LKS2:
  Developing a deeper understanding of materials and the design process. Pupils will engage with more complex projects that involve problem-solving, teamwork and the application of basic technical skills. There is an emphasis on creating, testing, and refining their design ideas.

• UKS2:
  Building proficiency in technical and design skills, with an emphasis on real-world applications. Pupils will explore the use of technology in modern design, developing products that serve a purpose in their communities and the world. They will consider the ethical implications of design decisions and learn to prototype and evaluate with increasing skill.

End Points
By the end of each key stage, children will have developed a strong foundation in practical aspects of design and technology. Key end points include:

• At the end of KS1
  Pupils will demonstrate the ability to design, make, and evaluate simple products. They will understand basic concepts around food, materials, tools, and processes and will be able to follow simple design briefs.

• At the end of LKS2
  Children will be able to plan, create, and evaluate more complex food preparation skills, designs and a broader range of materials and techniques. They will demonstrate an understanding of how technology impacts daily life and will have developed a stronger ability to collaborate and solve problems creatively.

• At the end of UKS2
  Pupils will have a well-rounded understanding of the design process from initial concept to the finished product. They will apply technical skills, cooking skills and knowledge of sustainability. Pupils will be able to evaluate their designs critically and make sensible suggestions for improvements.

Sequencing of the Curriculum
The curriculum is sequenced to ensure a progression of skills and knowledge from year to year. In the early years (EYFS and KS1), pupils develop an understanding of food, materials, simple mechanisms and basic design processes. As they move into KS2, they build on these foundational skills, engaging with more complex tasks that require problem-solving and application of technical skills.

In KS2, children begin to refine their design skills further, working with more advanced tools, exploring electronics and programmable devices. The curriculum gradually introduces more complex challenges and emphasises the importance of sustainability, innovation, and ethical considerations.

The sequencing allows for the reinforcement of prior knowledge and skills, with increasing complexity and depth at each stage. By Year 6, pupils will have a strong command of the design process and will be ready to apply their skills to real-world challenges.

Progression of Knowledge and Skills
The progression of knowledge and skills is carefully structured to build upon prior learning, ensuring that pupils develop both confidence and competence over time. Key areas of progression include:

• Materials and Processes                                                                                                           

• Moving from exploring simple materials and processes, such as paper, card, fabric and clay. They learn basic joining techniques, e.g., folding, glueing, and stapling in EYFS and KS1.

Acquiring a greater knowledge of material properties using tools safely to cut, shape, and join materials, e.g. scissors, rulers and needles. They will begin to use construction kits to create moving parts or mechanisms in LKS2 moving to refining their understanding of materials and processes working on more complex designs, incorporating mechanisms, electrical circuit or structures in UKS2
 

Design and Making Skills

Moving from simple design challenges and an understanding of common materials and their properties in EYFS and KS1. 

In LKS2 how to choose and use materials effectively and use in more complex user-centered projects. Children will learn how to create detailed design plans, consider functionality and adapt their designs based on feedback and evaluation in moving into UKS2

• Evaluation and Critical Thinking - Starting with basic evaluation of finished products in EYFS and KS1, progressing to more complex forms of evaluation in LKS2 and UKS2 where pupils will assess the functionality and aesthetics of their designs and make suggestions for improvements.                                       

• Cooking and Food technology  - Moving from learning the basics of food, including understanding food groups and the importance of a balanced diet in EYFS and KS1 They will gain hands-on experience with simple food preparation techniques, such as washing, peeling, and cutting fruits and vegetables. Basic safety skills in handling food and tools along with an introduction to food hygiene practices.

In LKS2 and UKS2 children will build on their skills exploring a wider range of ingredients and cooking techniques (bread and pizza) They will develop skills in planning and preparing simple dishes, focusing on creating healthy and balanced meals. They will also begin to evaluate their food products against design criteria, refining their skills in problem-solving and creative thinking.