Design and Technology

Intent:

At Helmsley, we aim to equip children with the skills to thrive in an ever-changing world. Through our Design & Technology curriculum, children become creative, independent problem solvers who learn to design, make, and evaluate purposeful products.

Our curriculum is built around five key concepts: Design, Make, Evaluate, Technical Knowledge, and Cooking & Nutrition. Children are inspired by real-world designers and products, and develop practical skills alongside critical thinking.

By the end of primary school, children will:

  • Show creativity and take risks to develop innovative ideas

  • Work well individually and in teams

  • Understand user needs and design with purpose

  • Use tools, materials and techniques safely and effectively

  • Apply knowledge from other subjects, including maths and science

  • Make thoughtful, sustainable design choices

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Implementation

  • In EYFS, children explore materials, tools and construction through play. They build fine motor skills and creativity using equipment such as scissors, malleable materials, and building blocks.

  • In Key Stages 1 and 2, children follow a clear sequence:
    design, make, evaluate.

  • Each project is linked to a real product or designer and includes relevant technical vocabulary and knowledge.

  • Children keep a DT journal to record their thinking, planning and final outcomes—demonstrating their learning journey from concept to creation.