Intent

At Crawley Ridge Junior School, our Design and Technology curriculum aims to inspire pupils to function confidently and creatively within a rapidly changing world. We provide meaningful, real-life contexts for learning, enabling pupils to understand how design and technology has evolved and how it shapes everyday life. Pupils are encouraged to think critically, solve problems creatively and evaluate existing products as well as their own ideas. Through collaborative and individual work, we aim to develop resilient, independent learners who are confident to take risks, innovate and refine their thinking.

Implementation

Design and Technology is taught in all year groups in line with the National Curriculum, supported by the Kapow Design and Technology schemes of work, endorsed by the Design and Technology Association. This scheme ensures high-quality teaching and a clear progression of skills and knowledge across the school.

Each project is built around the 3 Ss:

• Make Something
• For Someone
• For Some Purpose

Projects may be taught over a four-week sequence or as a focused block, depending on the needs of the unit. All units follow the iterative explore, design, make and evaluate process, embedding opportunities for pupils to plan, test, reflect and improve their work.

Pupils are inspired by the work of designers, engineers, chefs and architects and apply their learning to create purposeful outcomes. They explore a wide range of areas, including structures, mechanisms, textiles, electrical systems and food technology, ensuring breadth and balance within the subject.

Impact

Our Design and Technology curriculum develops pupils into confident, creative and critical thinkers. Through hands-on experiences, children learn to take risks, think innovatively and develop practical skills that support problem solving and resilience. Pupils demonstrate enthusiasm for designing and making, including working with tools, materials and food. Children are taught food hygiene and the safe use of tools.

Impact is assessed through pupils’ ability to:

• Design purposeful products for a specific user
• Apply skills and knowledge during the making process
• Evaluate and improve their work thoughtfully

As a result, pupils leave Crawley Ridge Junior School with the confidence, skills and curiosity to engage with design and technology both independently and collaboratively.