At Larkspur Primary School we offer a technology curriculum which inspires our pupils’ imaginations through creative and practical activities. Pupils are given opportunities to design and make a variety of products using a range of tools. During this process they evaluate the effectiveness of their designs and end product, adapting their creations as they go. We develop knowledge and skills in disciplines such as mathematics, science, engineering, computing and art encouraging children to take risks, be innovative and think big.

Intent: 

Our intent at Larkspur Primary School is to provide a rich Design and Technology curriculum across all year groups. We aim to teach a unit of Design and Technology in all year groups at least once per term. These units focus on: food technology and nutrition, electricity, mechanisms, structures and textiles. Wherever possible, cross curricular links are made to ensure children get the most out of their learning experiences and become lifelong learners.

Design and Technology is a crucial part of school life and learning. We are dedicated to the teaching and delivery of an exciting Design and Technology curriculum using the Kapow approved scheme of work. This subject allows opportunities for children to learn practically and apply their imagination and creatively in a purposeful way.  Children learn to take risks and how to become reflective, resilient learners whilst learning how Design Technology impacts everyday life and the wider world.

We aim to develop children’s creativity, technical and practical expertise so that they can perform everyday tasks confidently and to foster a ‘believe we can‘ mentality. It is important that children are given opportunities to build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills so they can create high-quality prototypes and products. We hope that when children leave us they are equipped to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world. 

Implementation:

Part of implementing an effective Design and Technology curriculum is encouraging children to work collaboratively with others. Collaborative work in Design and Technology develops mutual respect for the differing opinions, abilities and beliefs of others. It enables children to know that everyone has a voice and expression and know that children can learn and belong. It also helps children to respect their environment and the health and safety of themselves and others. They learn to appreciate that their ideas and opinions may differ to others and also learn to show tolerance. Children are encouraged to work in a democratic way by listening to others and sometimes accepting the ideas of others may be more suitable than their own to create the most effective product. 

Design and Technology units of work cover the following areas over the course of the year:

• Food
• Electricity
• Structures
• Textiles
• Mechanisms.

From Early Years to the end of Key Stage 2, we aim to provide a progressive scheme of work where children will acquire new skills each year built upon those previously taught.

Early Years Foundation Stage: 

In the EYFS children are encouraged to explore and use a variety of media and materials during a combination of adult directed and child-initiated activities. Children are given opportunities to:

• Use different media and materials to express their own ideas.
• Begin to make plans and construct with a purpose in mind, using a variety of resources.
• Use what they know about different media and materials in original ways, not being afraid to explore and try new things.
• Learn how to use simple tools and techniques appropriately, effectively and safely
• Identify foods that are good or not good for them and learn how to prepare some foods hygienically.

Impact

Develops Creativity and Innovation Pupils learn to generate ideas, design prototypes, and evaluate outcomes. This builds confidence in risk-taking and encourages imaginative solutions to real-world problems.

Strengthens Practical and Technical Skills Learners gain hands-on experience with materials, tools, and digital technologies. This fosters independence and equips them with transferable skills for future careers.

Encourages Critical Thinking and Reflection Through iterative design processes—planning, testing, and evaluating—students learn to assess their own work and that of others, cultivating resilience and adaptability.

Connects Learning Across Disciplines D&T integrates knowledge from mathematics, science, engineering, computing, and art. This interdisciplinary approach helps pupils see how subjects interlink and apply knowledge in meaningful contexts. from and use a range of tools and equipment to perform practical tasks, (or example, cutting shaping, joining and finishing).