DT Vision Statement

At St Peter’s CofE Primary School, we believe Design and Technology empowers children to become creative, thoughtful and resilient problem-solvers who can shape the world around them. Inspired by our vision that everyone is made in the image of God, we nurture children to use their creativity and technical understanding in service of others, designing products that are purposeful, functional and meet genuine needs.

Through carefully sequenced learning, pupils develop the confidence to question, investigate, innovate and refine their ideas. They learn that successful design is rarely achieved on the first attempt; instead, it is developed through curiosity, collaboration, perseverance and thoughtful evaluation. By making meaningful links with science, computing and healthy living, our curriculum equips children with the knowledge and skills to understand how design and technology improve everyday life while encouraging them to become responsible citizens who can contribute positively to an ever-changing world.  

Subject Intent

Our curriculum has been carefully sequenced to ensure children progressively develop both the substantive knowledge and disciplinary skills needed to become successful designers. From Year 1 to Year 6, pupils build secure knowledge of structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems, digital technologies and cooking and nutrition, revisiting concepts with increasing complexity and independence. Practical skills are deliberately taught alongside design thinking so that children understand not only how products are made but why design decisions matter.

At every stage, pupils follow an authentic design process: investigating existing products, identifying the needs of a user, generating and communicating ideas, selecting appropriate materials and components, making high-quality products, and evaluating their effectiveness before refining their designs. This iterative approach develops resilience, critical thinking and confidence whilst ensuring that practical work is rooted in secure knowledge rather than isolated activities.

Our curriculum makes meaningful connections with subjects such as science and computing, enabling pupils to apply and deepen their understanding in real and purposeful contexts. Through learning about sustainability, healthy eating, innovation and technological development, children develop an appreciation of the role Design and Technology plays in improving lives, solving problems and shaping the future.

By the time pupils leave St Peter’s, they are confident, reflective and resourceful designers who can apply technical knowledge creatively, work collaboratively to solve problems and understand the importance of designing responsibly for people, communities and the wider world.