Our vision

Design and Technology (DT) gives children the opportunity to become creative problem‑solvers. Through the CUSP Design and Technology curriculum, pupils learn how to think, work and communicate like designers and technologists. They explore real‑life problems, design purposeful products and develop practical skills they can apply confidently and safely.

Our DT curriculum is ambitious and carefully structured so that all children can succeed, build independence and develop resilience.

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What children learn

Design and Technology is taught through a series of carefully sequenced blocks across the school. Each block focuses on a specific area of DT, which children revisit and build on as they move through the year groups. These areas include:

• Food and nutrition
• Mechanisms (such as levers, sliders and gears)
• Structures (including frames and stability)
• Systems and electrical systems
• Textiles
• Understanding materials

This repeated exposure allows pupils to deepen their understanding and apply skills with increasing confidence and complexity.

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Working as a designer

Children follow a clear design process that helps them understand how products are developed in the real world. They learn to:

• Design – generate ideas, plan and think about purpose and users
• Make – use tools, materials and techniques safely and accurately
• Evaluate – test products and suggest improvements
• Apply – use what they have learned in new situations

This helps pupils learn from mistakes, refine their ideas and take pride in their work.

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Real‑world links and inspiration

Children are introduced to designers, inventors and technologists and learn how design impacts everyday life. DT is often linked to stories, themes and other subjects, helping pupils understand how technology, food and design shape the world around them.

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Speaking, thinking and vocabulary

Design and Technology strongly supports talk, reasoning and technical vocabulary. Children are encouraged to:

• Explain design choices and processes
• Use subject‑specific language accurately
• Reflect on how well a product works and how it could be improved

This develops confidence, clarity of thought and strong communication skills.

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How we assess

Assessment in DT is ongoing and practical. Teachers observe pupils while they work, talk with them about their ideas and review design portfolios and finished products. Progress is shown by how well pupils:

• Apply skills and techniques
• Solve problems
• Explain and evaluate their work

Success is not judged by a perfect final product, but by learning, improvement and creativity throughout the process.

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Safety, inclusion and support

Safety is a priority in all DT lessons. Tools, equipment and food preparation are taught carefully and appropriately. Reasonable adjustments are made so that all pupils can access learning, including adapted materials, extra visual support or breaking tasks into smaller steps.

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In summary

Through the CUSP Design and Technology curriculum, children leave primary school with:

• Practical skills and confidence using tools and materials
• An understanding of food, structures, mechanisms and systems
• The ability to design, make and evaluate solutions
• Independence, creativity and problem‑solving skills

Design and Technology at our school prepares pupils not just to make things, but to think creatively, work practically and solve real‑world problems.