Design and Technology at St. Joseph's Catholic Primary School

At St. Joseph's, we are committed to providing a high-quality Design and Technology (D&T) education that aligns with our school's vision and values. Our recently implemented United Curriculum for D&T ensures that all children, regardless of their background, develop the creative, technical, and practical expertise needed to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world.

Substantive Knowledge

Our D&T curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation of conceptual knowledge in areas such as structures, mechanisms, materials, and programming. We follow a carefully sequenced approach, revisiting key concepts over time to deepen understanding. Pupils also have opportunities to apply scientific concepts in a D&T setting, making explicit links between subjects.

Alongside this conceptual knowledge, we prioritise the development of procedural knowledge, allowing children to master essential skills like cutting, shaping, joining, and finishing. Through focused practical tasks, our pupils develop the craftsmanship and engineering skills needed to design and create high-quality prototypes and products.

Disciplinary Knowledge

At the heart of our D&T curriculum is the iterative design process, which we gradually build upon from EYFS to Key Stage 2. Pupils learn to identify user needs, generate creative ideas, and design solutions, rather than being led by predetermined outcomes. We explicitly teach the tools and techniques of effective design, empowering our children to thrive as designers and engineers of the future.

Curiosity and Excitement

Our D&T curriculum aims to cultivate a sense of curiosity and excitement about the possibilities offered by design and technology. Pupils explore the contributions of a diverse range of designers, past and present, and develop an understanding of how design and technology can contribute to creativity, culture, wealth, and well-being.

Cooking and Nutrition

Recognising the importance of cooking and nutrition as a distinct aspect of D&T, we devote one unit per year to this discipline. Pupils develop a deep understanding of food sources, safety, hygiene, and the principles of nutrition. They also master essential cooking skills, enabling them to prepare balanced, sustainable meals for themselves and their families.

At St. Joseph's, our D&T curriculum is firmly rooted in our school's mission to "care, belong, and learn together in faith." By providing a rich and engaging learning experience, we empower our pupils to become confident, capable, and responsible citizens who can positively contribute to an increasingly technological world.