Design & Technology

Curriculum Planning

Our D&T curriculum is thoughtfully sequenced to ensure progressive development of knowledge and skills across all year groups. Leaders have planned the curriculum to cover the broad aspects of D&T, ensuring pupils gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

Key planning features include:

• Clear progression in core skills such as designing, planning, making, and evaluating, embedded within each unit of work.
• Coverage of different materials and techniques, including textiles, woodwork, food technology, mechanisms, and electrical systems.
• Opportunities for pupils to engage with real-world problems and contexts, encouraging purposeful design and innovation.
• Integration of cross-curricular links, particularly with Science, Maths, and Art & Design, to enrich pupils’ understanding and application of knowledge.
• Alignment with the school’s HEART values, promoting honesty in craftsmanship, accountability in processes, respect for materials and safety, and trust in collaborative work.

Teaching Approach

Teaching in D&T at Chiseldon is practical, inclusive, and skill-focused, encouraging pupils to develop confidence and independence. Teachers employ:

• Step-by-step modelling and demonstrations of techniques to scaffold learning and ensure safe practice.
• Use of design briefs and challenges that stimulate creativity and problem-solving.
• Opportunities for pupils to evaluate their own and others’ work critically, fostering reflection and improvement.
• Differentiated tasks to ensure all pupils, including those with SEND, can participate meaningfully and develop their skills.
• Emphasis on the iterative process of design, encouraging pupils to test, refine, and improve their creations.

Interactive Learning & Engagement

We believe that hands-on experience is central to developing D&T skills and enthusiasm. Our lessons include:

• Practical making activities that allow pupils to manipulate a variety of materials and tools safely.
• Collaborative projects that develop teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
• Visits to local workshops, manufacturers, or exhibitions to connect learning with real-world applications.
• Use of digital technologies, such as computer-aided design (CAD), to enhance design possibilities.
• Encouragement for pupils to showcase their work within the school community, celebrating creativity and achievement.

Fostering Creativity & Practical Skills

D&T at Chiseldon supports pupils in becoming innovative and resourceful creators. We:

• Promote the school’s HEART values through D&T, encouraging honesty in design intentions, respect for materials and processes, and accountability in safety and quality.
• Encourage pupils to develop resilience and problem-solving skills through iterative design and making processes.
• Support pupils in understanding the impact of design decisions on users and the environment, fostering responsible citizenship.
• Celebrate diverse approaches and solutions, helping pupils appreciate different perspectives and creativity.

Assessment

Assessment in D&T is continuous and focuses on both skill development and creative thinking. Our approach includes:

• Formative assessment through observation, pupil self-evaluation, and peer feedback during design and making activities.
• Use of portfolios or project books to document progression in design thinking, technical skills, and evaluation.
• Summative assessment aligned with curriculum milestones to ensure pupils meet expected standards in designing, making, and evaluating.
• Opportunities for pupils to articulate their design choices and reflect on their learning, fostering metacognition and personal growth.

This assessment framework supports personalised learning and helps pupils develop as confident, capable designers and makers.