Design & Technology

Intent

At Highfield Schools, Design & Technology helps children become creative, practical problem‑solvers. They learn to design and make purposeful products, think about the needs of others and understand how design shapes everyday life.

Implementation

• D&T is taught in focused blocks so children can follow the full design process from ideas to evaluation.
• Skills progress from EYFS to KS1 and KS2, building confidence with tools, materials and techniques.
• Children explore structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food technology (age‑appropriate).
• Lessons link to maths, science, computing and art.
• Children work with a range of materials and examine real products to inspire ideas.
• Activities are adapted so all children can take part safely and successfully.

Impact

By the end of KS1, children will:

• Design and make simple products with a clear purpose
• Use tools and materials with growing confidence
• Think creatively and solve basic problems
• Evaluate and improve their ideas

By the end of KS2, children will:

• Design and make more complex products for specific users
• Use a wider range of tools, materials and techniques accurately
• Apply technical knowledge (e.g., mechanisms, structures, electrical systems, nutrition)
• Test, refine and evaluate their work with increasing independence
• Show creativity, resilience and teamwork throughout the design process

Teachers assess progress through observing design choices, practical skills and evaluations. Children’s creations are celebrated through displays, showcases and whole‑school events.