Design and Technology

Curriculum
At St Paulinus, Design and Technology (D&T) enables pupils to apply knowledge creatively to solve real and meaningful problems. Our curriculum is cumulative and coherent: pupils revisit and extend skills in structures, mechanisms, textiles, electronics and food technology across year groups. By linking D&T to maths, science, art and computing, children see the practical application of their learning and understand the impact of design on daily life and society. Projects are purposeful, encouraging pupils to design, make and evaluate products with users in mind. Over time, pupils grow into resourceful, innovative problem-solvers with a strong appreciation of how design shapes the world.

Vocabulary
We place a strong emphasis on vocabulary so pupils can talk and think like designers. Key terms such as prototype, mechanism, reinforce, evaluate, structure and function are introduced progressively, practised in context and revisited in later projects. Pupils also build academic vocabulary, learning to describe and justify their choices with accuracy and clarity.

Implementation
D&T is taught through practical, engaging projects. Each unit follows a connected cycle: research, design, make and evaluate. Pupils begin by investigating existing products, then generate and refine their own ideas through sketches, plans and models. They apply technical skills using a wide range of tools and materials, before evaluating their work against design criteria. Lessons are carefully sequenced so children move from simple tasks in Key Stage 1 to complex systems in Key Stage 2, with opportunities to apply mathematical and scientific knowledge. Teachers model techniques and encourage collaboration, resilience and reflective thinking.