Design and Technology
Intent
At Canada Hill, we believe that Design and Technology should inspire children to become happy, inquisitive and creative learners who are confident in exploring ideas and solving problems. Through practical and purposeful experiences, pupils are encouraged to use their imagination, curiosity and growing knowledge to design and make products that meet real and relevant needs. Our DT curriculum develops children as determined learners, equipping them with the resilience to overcome challenges, refine their ideas and learn from mistakes throughout the design process. We encourage pupils to take pride in their work, persevere when things do not go as planned, and understand that innovation often comes through adapting and improving designs. Children are taught to be responsible designers and makers, considering the needs of others, the suitability of materials and the impact of their choices on the wider world. Through cooking and nutrition, they develop an understanding of healthy lifestyles and make informed choices that support their wellbeing. We nurture compassionate learners who design with empathy, considering how products can improve the lives of others and meet the needs of different users. Collaborative projects provide opportunities for pupils to listen, share ideas and work respectfully with their peers. Our curriculum encourages children to be reflective thinkers, evaluating products and their own work critically to identify strengths and areas for improvement. By learning from both success and failure, pupils develop confidence and independence as designers. Throughout their DT journey, children remain inquisitive, asking questions, exploring how things work and drawing connections between Design and Technology and other subjects such as science and computing. We aim for all pupils to leave Canada Hill with the knowledge, skills and confidence to approach challenges creatively, think innovatively and contribute positively to the world around them.
Implementation
At Canada Hill, Design and Technology is delivered through a carefully sequenced and progressive curriculum that develops pupils' knowledge, technical skills and understanding over time. Through engaging, purposeful projects, pupils follow the design process of investigating, designing, making and evaluating, applying their learning across structures, mechanisms, textiles, cooking and nutrition, and electrical systems. Teaching combines the explicit development of substantive knowledge with practical, hands-on experiences, enabling pupils to build confidence in using tools, materials and techniques safely and effectively. Knowledge and skills are revisited and built upon throughout the curriculum to ensure progression and secure long-term learning. Pupils are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems and evaluate their work critically, developing resilience and determination when refining their ideas. Cross-curricular links, particularly with science, mathematics and computing, provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to apply their learning in real-world contexts. Consideration of sustainability, healthy lifestyles and user needs supports pupils in becoming responsible and reflective designers. Assessment is embedded throughout the design process through observation, discussion, questioning and evaluation of outcomes, enabling teachers to identify misconceptions and inform future learning. This approach ensures that all pupils develop the confidence, creativity and practical expertise needed to become inquisitive, responsible and capable designers and makers.
Impact
Children leave Canada Hill as confident, creative and reflective designers who can apply their knowledge and skills to solve real and relevant problems. Through a progressive sequence of learning experiences, pupils develop a secure understanding of designing, making and evaluating products, alongside the technical knowledge required to work with structures, mechanisms, textiles, food and electrical systems. Children demonstrate increasing independence as they move through the school. They develop resilience and determination by learning that refining ideas, overcoming setbacks and making improvements are valuable parts of the design process. Pupils become inquisitive learners who ask questions, investigate how existing products work and use research to inform their own designs. They learn to think critically and creatively, applying technical knowledge and practical skills across a range of contexts. Through opportunities to design for a purpose and specific audience, children develop empathy and compassion, considering the needs of others and the wider impact of their choices. Children acquire a strong understanding of healthy lifestyles and nutrition through practical food technology projects. They learn how to prepare food safely and hygienically, understand where food comes from and make informed choices about healthy eating. Opportunities to consider sustainability, resources and responsible consumption help pupils become thoughtful and responsible citizens. By the end of each key stage, pupils can confidently discuss their learning using appropriate technical vocabulary, explain the decisions they have made throughout the design process and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their products. Their work demonstrates clear progression in both knowledge and skills, from exploring materials and creating simple products in EYFS to independently designing, making and refining complex products in Key Stage 2. As a result, children leave Canada Hill equipped with the creativity, practical expertise, problem-solving abilities and confidence needed for the next stage of their education. They understand the role of design and technology in shaping the world around them and are prepared to contribute positively as innovative, responsible and reflective members of society