Design & Technology at Fawbert & Barnard’s

INTENT

At Fawbert & Barnard’s Primary School, our Design & Technology curriculum reflects our motto Learning for Life by equipping children with the creativity, technical skills and problem-solving abilities they will need for future success. We believe that every child—regardless of gender, race, disability or background—should have the knowledge and confidence to pursue opportunities in science, engineering, technology, design and creative industries.

Through D&T, pupils develop:

• Imagination and innovation
• Research and analytical thinking
• Practical skills using a wide range of tools and materials
• Teamwork, resilience and independent problem-solving
• Understanding of real-world design processes and user needs

Our curriculum enables children to design, make and evaluate purposeful products rooted in real-life contexts. Skills are taught progressively across the school so that pupils build competence and confidence as they move through each year group.

Design & Technology is a vital part of the curriculum at Fawbert & Barnard’s because it empowers pupils to become resourceful, reflective and creative problem solvers—skills that prepare them for life in an ever-changing technological world.

 

IMPLEMENTATION

Teachers plan D&T in line with the National Curriculum and with careful consideration of pupils’ prior learning. Long-term plans outline when units are taught and how they link to wider curriculum topics, ensuring learning is meaningful and contextualised.

All D&T projects follow the full Design–Make–Evaluate cycle:

1. Design:
   • Rooted in real-life, relevant contexts
   • Informed by research and user needs
   • Supported by clear design criteria and technical vocabulary
2. Make:
   • Children use a range of tools, materials and equipment
   • Pupils make choices independently and are encouraged to take creative risks
   • Mistakes and iterations are valued as part of the design process
3. Evaluate:
   • Pupils assess their products against design criteria
   • Reflect on functionality, appearance, durability and purpose
   • Use technical vocabulary to explain successes and improvements

Teachers plan sequences of lessons that gradually build knowledge, skills and confidence, including differentiation to support all learners.

Across the school, pupils develop expertise in the key D&T domains:

• Cooking and nutrition
• Mechanisms
• Structures
• Textiles
• Electrical and mechanical systems

Learning is enhanced through hands-on experiences and opportunities to apply mathematical, scientific and artistic skills where appropriate.

 

IMPACT

Our aim is for pupils to leave Fawbert & Barnard’s as confident, capable and imaginative designers and makers who understand how D&T shapes the world around them.

By the end of Year 6, children will:

• Show a positive attitude to learning and independent working
• Demonstrate strong teamwork skills and use time productively
• Carry out research with initiative and curiosity
• Apply a secure understanding of user needs when designing products
• Work ethically, safely and responsibly with tools, materials and resources
• Know which tools and processes are appropriate for specific outcomes
• Apply mathematical knowledge accurately within their projects
• Manage risk exceptionally well when designing and making products
• Work hygienically and safely when cooking
• Show genuine enjoyment, pride and passion for Design & Technology

Progress is measured through:

• Evaluation of completed products against design criteria
• Evidence of skill development across year groups
• Pupil voice and discussion
• Monitoring of planning, teaching and outcomes

D&T at Fawbert & Barnard’s prepares pupils to think critically, design creatively and solve real-world problems—skills they will carry forward into secondary school and into life.