At St Andrew’s, children participate in a broad design and technology curriculum that enables them to understand the design cycle – researching existing products and/or designers, formulating their own ideas, following and amending their designs, and evaluating their outcomes, with their target audience and purpose in mind. They develop subject specific knowledge and skills, as well as skills in research, analysis, problem solving, and collaboration.

Every year, the children in each year group use a variety of materials and develop their knowledge and skills in three key areas: construction, textiles and food technology. In EYFS, pupils express themselves and develop their skills through both free and guided exploration, experimenting with different media, tools and techniques.

In KS1, design and technology lessons introduce children more formally to the design process and, as the children move through school, they further develop their skills in conducting research, developing design criteria, and testing, adapting and communicating their ideas. As they progress through KS2, they also create more complex and refined structures, using a wider range of equipment and resources, including mechanical and electrical components. The themes used within the KS1 and KS2 design and technology curriculum have close links to the knowledge taught in history, geography or science in each year group, in order to provide useful and meaningful connections.