Intent

At Grafton Primary School, children learn to produce practical solutions to real problems. Children develop technical understanding and making skills, learn about design methods and investigate their environment and the materials around them. We aim to engage the interests of all children and help sustain their motivation and engagement in learning and developing their design and technology skills. 

We use the Kapow scheme of learning to inform our Design and Technology teaching. 

REAL Curriculum Links

Our REAL Design and Technology curriculum is: 

R: relevant, research-based, reflective

Our Design and Technology curriculum develops:

• pupils’ understanding of the work of a wide range of professionals, including designers, architects, and engineers
• opportunities to explore why people design and how products and structures are created to meet real needs and purposes
• strong foundations in the core skills, materials, and techniques needed for design work high-quality teaching practitioners who ensure pupils achieve high standards in design and making

E: Engaging, Enquiry-Led

Our Design and Technology curriculum:

• provides opportunities for pupils to actively engage in designing, making, and evaluating across a range of disciplines
• encourages creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving as pupils explore and test their own ideas and emulate the work of others
• allows pupils to be fully involved in the design process — from research and planning to creation and reflection — developing independence and innovation

A: Aspirational, Achievement for All

Our Design and Technology curriculum develops:

• confidence to explore, plan, and create new concepts using imagination, guidance, and technical skill
• understanding of the work of designers, architects, and engineers and how their creations meet specific needs in everyday life
• inclusive opportunities for all pupils to make progress, evaluate their own learning, and take pride in their design journeys and final outcomes.

L: For a Life-long Love of Learning

Our Design and Technology curriculum:

• fosters enjoyment, curiosity, and creativity through designing and making
• helps pupils appreciate design and technology as a fulfilling hobby, a creative outlet, and a possible future career
• supports well-being, resilience, and problem-solving through practical and collaborative experiences