Cranborne Primary School

Welcome to our Design and Technology page!

Welcome to Design and Technology at Cranborne

Design and Technology develops children’s skills and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials, including food. It encourages children's creativity and encourages them to think about important issues.

 At Cranborne, we want the children to become designers and technologists and understand the life-long skills that give Design and Technology (D&T) relevance to real life and future career opportunities. Our intention is to foster and develop, in the children, a sense of how to take risks and become resourceful, innovative, enterprising and capable citizens of the future. 

We ensure D&T is taught following the National Curriculum (Years 1-6) and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Expressive Arts & Design guidelines. Our lessons are cross curricular, covering the skills and knowledge needed in a fun and interesting way, stimulating children’s interest in and curiosity about D&T. We intend to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the changing world of D&T by encouraging pupils to ask questions and propose solutions to D&T problems. We aim to develop children’s competence and mastery in specific D&T skills so they can achieve their full potential.

Design and technology in EYFS 

 In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) DT is taught within the Expressive Arts & Design guidelines. During EYFS the children increase their physical development skills of moving and handling by being given opportunities to use simple tools to effect changes to materials. They develop their ability to handle tools, objects, construction and malleable materials safely and with increasing control. The children are taught how to handle objects carefully and what their purpose is so they can select tools independently. They are encouraged to plan what they are creating in any area. This stretches from the play dough, water, construction etc. The children are encouraged to revisit their plans, to review and check their progress. They are taught to follow instructions in order and are encouraged to actively comment on one another’s work and expand on one another’s ideas.

Design and technology in KS1 and KS2 
In Years 1-6, D&T is taught weekly, during part of each term or blocked over a week or two, culminating in making and evaluating a particular product. Children acquire and apply knowledge and understanding of materials and components, mechanisms and control systems, structures, food, existing products, quality and health and safety.

The children complete projects by first investigating and evaluating existing products. They then move on to complete focused tasks in which they develop particular aspects of knowledge and skills. Later they progress to designing and making activities, where the children design and make 'something' for 'somebody' for 'a purpose'. Finally they reflect on their learning by evaluating their finished product. 

A copy of our DT curriculum map 2023-24 can be found below:

Look at some of our amazing DT work below: