Design and Technology

Intent

• All pupils make strong progress in DT, learning to design, create, and evaluate purposeful products with accuracy and safety.

• Pupils explore the full design process—from planning and development through to making and evaluating—building confidence and practical skills along the way.

• Reading and vocabulary development support pupils in understanding design concepts and communicating ideas clearly.

• The curriculum is inclusive and adapted to close gaps, ensuring every child can “Grow in Greatness.”

• Pupils learn about significant events, movements, and designers, building cultural capital and an appreciation for innovation.

• Enrichment, trips, and expert visitors enhance learning and provide opportunities to apply DT skills in real-world contexts.

• DT also supports personal development, teaching collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and respect for different cultures and ways of living.

Implementation

• A structured DT curriculum builds skills progressively across the school, with clear success criteria, modelling, and opportunities to revisit and refine techniques.

• Pupils develop subject-specific vocabulary and are encouraged to explain their design choices and evaluate their work.

• Lessons combine practical making with critical thinking and creativity, supported by strong teacher subject knowledge.

• Sketchbooks, design books, and photographs capture learning and progress, while feedback helps pupils reflect and improve.

• Assessment is both formative and summative, with pupil self-evaluations and teacher moderation ensuring consistency.

• Nutritional learning links DT with mathematics, as children practise measuring and applying food preparation skills.

• Enrichment is built in, including trips, practical workshops, and partnerships with Reading University, secondary schools, and local organisations.

Impact

• Pupils demonstrate strong progress in knowledge, skills, and practical outcomes, producing purposeful and well-crafted designs.

• They can talk confidently about their work, use DT-specific vocabulary, and evaluate their progress with accuracy.

• Work in design books and portfolios shows pride, progression, and creativity.

• Pupils learn to use tools safely, take responsibility for their work, and develop resilience when solving problems.

• They leave Whiteknights with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to succeed in the next stage of their education and beyond.

• DT at Whiteknights nurtures learners who are motivated, collaborative, and respectful of diverse ideas, preparing them to contribute positively to the modern world.