Design & Technology

Intent

At Pear Tree, our Design and Technology curriculum is inspiring, challenging and purposeful. We aim to develop curious, creative and resourceful children who are confident in designing, making and evaluating purposeful products that respond to real and relevant problems. From Reception onwards, children are encouraged to explore materials, tools and construction techniques through hands-on experiences, developing their fine-motor skills, creativity and understanding of how things work. As children progress through Key Stage 1, they build on these foundations by researching and investigating existing designs and products, using this knowledge, alongside their creativity and imagination, to generate and communicate their own ideas.

Throughout Key Stage 2, pupils progressively develop greater technical knowledge, practical skills and independence across structures, mechanisms, electrical and digital technologies, textiles, and cooking and nutrition. Children follow a rigorous cycle of research, design, make and evaluate, selecting appropriate materials and tools, developing prototypes and refining their ideas to produce high-quality final products for a range of purposes. They are encouraged to consider the needs and wants of others, make purposeful design choices and solve problems creatively. Through evaluating their own and others' designs, as well as exploring the impact and effectiveness of past and present Design and Technology, children develop the ability to identify improvements, reflect on their learning and become increasingly self-regulated learners.

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils will have developed a secure range of technical and practical skills, alongside the creativity, resilience, problem-solving and innovation needed to become confident designers and makers who can apply their learning to the wider world.