Design Technology

What we are aiming for

At Bassenthwaite, Design and Technology enables children to develop the creativity, confidence and practical expertise needed to carry out everyday tasks and solve real problems. Children are encouraged to be curious, inventive and resilient as they learn through designing and making purposeful products for a range of users.

Design and Technology supports children to combine practical skills with knowledge and understanding. Pupils learn to think creatively, work independently and collaboratively, and apply their learning across the curriculum so that it has meaning and relevance.

Children develop an understanding of where food comes from and how to apply the principles of nutrition as they learn to cook. Through this, they grow in independence and responsibility, while developing empathy and respect for others by considering users’ needs.

Evaluation is a key part of the Design and Technology process. Children are encouraged to reflect on their work, adapt their ideas and improve their products, helping them to see mistakes as part of learning and to build confidence and perseverance.

How learning happens

Mixed-age classes

Design and Technology is taught in mixed-age classes where a supportive and inclusive environment helps children feel confident to explore ideas and take practical risks. Units are planned on a rolling cycle to ensure full National Curriculum coverage, revisit key skills and support progression as children move through the school.

Teachers use progression documents and assessment to build on prior learning, introduce new tools and techniques, and ensure all children are supported and challenged appropriately.

How we get there

Design and Technology is taught through carefully planned units that focus on real and relevant problems. Each unit begins with a clear design brief or question that gives purpose and direction to learning.

Children learn to work like designers by:

  • designing products that meet a specific need
  • selecting and using tools, equipment and materials safely
  • making products using a range of techniques
  • evaluating their work and the work of others
  • applying what they have learned to improve outcomes

Across the school, children develop skills in food and nutrition, mechanisms, structures, materials and textiles. Learning is progressive, allowing children to revisit and build on skills with increasing confidence and independence.

Knowledge, vocabulary and design thinking

Our Design and Technology curriculum develops both:

  • practical knowledge, including tools, materials, processes and techniques
  • design thinking, including problem-solving, planning, evaluating and improving

Key vocabulary is introduced and revisited so children can explain their ideas clearly and confidently. Adults model skills and processes, and children are given time to practise, apply and refine their learning.

Design, making and evaluating are woven together so that children understand that products can always be improved, supporting creativity, resilience and thoughtful decision-making.

What children gain

Through our Design and Technology curriculum, children:

  • develop creativity and practical problem-solving skills
  • build confidence in using tools, materials and techniques
  • learn to work independently and collaboratively
  • develop perseverance and resilience through evaluation and improvement
  • grow in empathy by designing for others and considering different needs

Design and Technology supports children’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development by encouraging responsibility, cooperation and reflection.

By the time they leave Bassenthwaite, pupils are confident, capable designers who can apply their skills across the curriculum and into everyday life.

How we know

We know children are making progress in Design and Technology through their increasing independence, skill development and ability to explain their design choices using appropriate vocabulary.

Teachers assess learning through:

  • observation of practical skills and use of tools
  • completed products and outcomes
  • discussion and questioning
  • evaluation and reflection activities

Ongoing assessment and revisiting prior learning ensure knowledge and skills are secure and continue to develop as children move through the school.

How you can help at home

Parents and carers can support Design and Technology by encouraging practical problem-solving, creativity and independence at home.

Encourage making and fixing

Invite your child to help with simple practical tasks such as building, assembling, organising or repairing. Talk about what tools and materials might work best and why.

Plan and problem-solve together

Give your child real-life design challenges, such as creating a bookmark, designing a container for small items, or making a model from recycled materials. Ask questions like: What is it for? Who is it for? How will it work?

Cook and learn about food

Involve your child in cooking and food preparation. Let them practise safe skills such as spreading, mixing, measuring and chopping with supervision. Talk about where food comes from and how to make balanced choices.

Talk about evaluation

Encourage your child to reflect on what went well and what they would change next time. Celebrate effort and perseverance, and help them see that improving a design is part of the process.

Build independence safely

Give children responsibility for tidying tools, organising materials and following instructions. Supporting safe independence helps children build confidence and resilience.

Notice design in everyday life

Talk about products you use at home or in the community. Discuss what they are made from, why they are shaped the way they are, and how they could be improved.

Helpful websites for families

Parents and carers may find the following websites useful for supporting Design and Technology learning at home:

These resources are intended to encourage curiosity, creativity and discussion. Simple practical activities at home, combined with talking about ideas and improvements, help children build confidence and independence as designers.