At Cranbrook, we believe Design and Technology will equip pupils with knowledge and critical thinking skills in preparation for lifelong learning.  Children will draw on the discipline of STEM subjects to reflect and evaluate existing work, and then be inspired to invent and design products that solve problems in a range of contexts. 

Pupils will learn how to take risks and become resourceful, innovative, capable citizens ready for the wider world.  By encouraging pupils to evaluate work and designs from notable designers, including those from diverse backgrounds, we aim to foster children’s cultural capital and a lifelong passion for innovation and enterprise, particularly in relation to projects linked to the local environment.

At our school, Design and Technology is implemented through a carefully sequenced, progressive curriculum that ensures full coverage of the National Curriculum. Learning is structured to build knowledge, skills and technical understanding over time.

The curriculum is organised into key strands: Mechanisms, Structures, Textiles, Food, and Electrical Systems (KS2). Through these areas, pupils progressively develop their ability to design, make and evaluate purposeful products for real users and contexts.

Each unit follows a clear design process:

• Design – researching, generating ideas and planning using annotated sketches and prototypes

• Make – selecting appropriate tools and materials, developing practical skills with increasing independence

• Evaluate – testing, refining and evaluating products against design criteria

• Technical knowledge – understanding and applying key concepts within projects

Key vocabulary is explicitly taught and revisited to strengthen technical understanding. Cross-curricular links, particularly with mathematics, science and computing, provide meaningful contexts for learning and allow pupils to apply prior knowledge.

Lessons are practical and engaging, promoting creativity, resilience, problem-solving and teamwork. Adaptations ensure inclusivity and appropriate challenge so that all pupils can access the curriculum and achieve success. Learning is most effective with spaced repetition. Retrieval of previously learned content is frequent and regular, which increases both storage and retrieval strength.

Through our Design and Technology curriculum, pupils develop confidence, technical competence and the ability to think critically and innovatively.