Design and Technology
Wherever we look, evidence of design is all around us. From chairs to hospital equipment, from clothes to websites, from advertisements on the side of a bus to playground equipment, everything has been designed!
Our intent is to develop creative thinkers and innovators who can design, make, and evaluate products while understanding the role of D&T in everyday life and its contributions to society and the environment.
Intent
At Steeple Morden Primary School, we follow the Primary Knowledge Curriculum (PKC) for Design and Technology. This provides a carefully sequenced, knowledge-rich programme that builds progressively from Reception to Year 6.
Our intent is to equip pupils with the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.
Through the PKC approach, we aim for children to:
• Develop creativity, curiosity, and confidence in designing, making and evaluating.
• Understand the role of design and technology in society, including sustainability and environmental awareness.
• Learn to solve problems, make improvements, and reflect thoughtfully — building resilience and a growth mindset.
• Recognise how D&T connects to other disciplines such as art, history, science, and computing.
The PKC DT curriculum is structured around three strands: Cook, Sew, and Build — ensuring a broad and balanced experience across all areas of design and technology.
Implementation
Design and Technology is taught through the PKC’s progressive sequence of units, which ensures continuity and clear progression of knowledge, skills, and vocabulary from the Early Years through to Year 6.
• Curriculum structure: Each year, children complete one unit in each of the three areas — Cook, Sew, and Build.
• Progression: Skills and concepts are carefully revisited and developed year on year, moving from simple exploration in EYFS to more complex design, construction and evaluation in KS2.
• Design process: Pupils learn through a clear and consistent model — research, design, make, evaluate — developing fluency in each stage.
• Cross-curricular links: Units are deliberately sequenced to build on learning in subjects such as art, science and history, supporting deeper connections.
• Practical learning: Lessons are hands-on, with opportunities to plan, prototype, test, and refine designs.
• Assessment: Ongoing teacher assessment and pupil self-reflection track knowledge and skill development within each unit.
• Enrichment: Events such as our bake sale, STEM week, and design showcases celebrate children’s creativity and achievement in DT.
All resources, lesson structures, and progression materials are taken directly from the PKC scheme to ensure fidelity and consistency across all year groups.
Impact
By following the PKC Design and Technology curriculum, children at Steeple Morden:
• Build a secure body of knowledge and skills that progress from EYFS through to Year 6.
• Develop confidence, independence, and enjoyment in creating purposeful, functional, and appealing products.
• Understand sustainability and consider environmental impact when designing and making.
• Can articulate the design process and reflect critically on their work.
• See links between D&T and other subjects, recognising its relevance in everyday life and potential future careers.
Pupil outcomes, engagement, and practical work demonstrate strong progression in both knowledge and skill.