We are designers and makers

Intent

At Asquith, we want children to leave as independent, creative problem-solvers who see themselves as designers and makers. Our Design and Technology curriculum encourages curiosity, resilience, and innovation. Children will learn to design, make, and evaluate products with purpose, developing practical skills and confidence to tackle real-world challenges.

We teach DT skills and knowledge in a sequence that builds on prior learning. In Early Years, children begin by exploring materials and simple construction before progressing to more complex projects involving structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems, and food technology. Each project is rooted in real-life contexts, helping pupils understand the relevance and impact of design in everyday life.

Our DT curriculum aims to deliver the National Curriculum and EYFS Framework ensuring all pupils:

• develop creativity and problem-solving skills through hands-on projects
• understand the design process: design, make, and evaluate
• gain practical knowledge of materials, tools, and techniques
• learn essential life skills in food technology, including nutrition and safe food handling
• see themselves as innovators who can make informed choices and contribute positively to society
•  

Our key DT concepts are:

• Functionality & Purpose – designing products that meet real needs
• Innovation & Sustainability – considering environmental impact and future solutions
• User-Centred Design – creating with empathy and understanding of others’ needs

We aim to promote Wonderful Words by:

• immersing pupils in rich technical vocabulary, enabling them to communicate ideas clearly and confidently
• revisiting and applying these words regularly so they become embedded

We aim to develop Readers for Life by:

• using high-quality texts and resources, where relevant, to explore design principles, famous inventors, and real-world applications

We aim to provide Opportunities by:

• offering practical experiences with tools, materials, and technologies
• beginning to build in workshops, visits, and links to local businesses or designers to inspire creativity, with plans to expand these opportunities over time

We aim to encourage pupils to Dream Big by:

• showcasing diverse designers, engineers, and innovators, helping children see that they too can shape the future

Rooted in Our School Values

Through DT, we embed our core values:

• Determination – persevering through challenges in design and making
• Honesty – evaluating work honestly and learning from mistakes
• Responsibility – considering safety, sustainability, and ethical design
• Respect – valuing others’ ideas and working collaboratively
• Understanding – designing with empathy for users’ needs
• Cooperation – working as a team to solve problems and share skills

Implementation

Our DT curriculum combines disciplinary knowledge (designing, making, evaluating) with substantive knowledge (materials, tools, nutrition, mechanisms). Lessons follow a clear design → make → evaluate cycle and are sequenced to build on prior learning.

Food technology is taught in every year group, ensuring children develop confidence in cooking and nutrition. Other projects cover textiles, structures, mechanisms, and electrical systems, linked to real-world contexts.

Teaching is supported by:

• quality resources and practical tools
• explicit vocabulary instruction
• adaptations for SEND and EAL pupils to ensure inclusivity

By embedding these skills, children will be able to design and create products with purpose, evaluate their work critically, and apply their learning beyond the classroom.

Impact

Through DT, we aim to develop confident, creative problem-solvers who value design and technology. By the time children leave Asquith, they will:

• have practical skills in cooking, making, and designing
• understand how and why things are made
• be ready to face challenges in an ever-changing technological world

We assess impact through:

• ongoing assessment for learning (reviews, exit tickets, questioning, quizzes)
• clear focus objectives for each unit, ensuring progression in knowledge and skills

Our ultimate goal: every child leaves Asquith proud of their achievements, equipped with skills for life, and excited about the future.