Overview

Our design and technology curriculum is delivered through well-planned, sequenced projects that ensure all pupils develop the knowledge, skills and understanding set out in the national curriculum. Learning is carefully structured to allow pupils to revisit, secure and build upon prior learning as they progress through school.

Through engaging, hands-on experiences, pupils are encouraged to use creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. They learn to consider their own and others’ needs, wants and values across a range of contexts, including textiles, construction, mechanisms, electrical systems, and food and nutrition.

Design and technology is often taught in blocks to allow sufficient time for pupils to be critical, inventive and reflective. Each project from Year 1 to Year 6 follows the principles of designing, making and evaluating, while developing technical knowledge and an understanding of health and safety.

Strong cross-curricular links are made with subjects such as mathematics, science, computing and art, helping pupils to apply their learning in meaningful ways. Pupils are also introduced to a range of designers, engineers, chefs and nutritionists, increasing their cultural capital and appreciation of human creativity and achievement.

Throughout their time at Totley Primary, pupils develop practical life skills, including understanding where food comes from, the importance of a healthy, balanced diet, and how to prepare food safely and hygienically. In the early years, children explore materials, tools and food through purposeful play and guided activities, laying strong foundations for future learning.

By the time pupils leave Totley Primary, they have developed the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to confidently tackle everyday tasks and are well prepared for further learning in design and technology at secondary school.

Reception

  • Construction: junk modelling and simple structures (joining, balancing, purpose)

  • Food and cooking: smoothies, fruit kebabs, celebration biscuits

  • Textiles: wet felting (bracelets/necklaces), weaving and texture exploration

Year 1

  • Construction: moving pictures and simple mechanisms (levers, hinges)

  • Food and cooking: fruit salad (sweet vs savoury, fruit vs vegetables)

  • Textiles: running stitch embroidery; felt shapes and story mats

Year 2

  • Construction: structures and strengthening (bridges, vehicles, axles)

  • Food and cooking: cheese and vegetable omelette pockets (seasonality)

  • Textiles: embroidered products using templates and decoration

Year 3

  • Construction: Roman catapults, shields and swords (frames, cutting slots)

  • Food and cooking: pizza (healthy, balanced diet)

  • Textiles: padded sewn products using running stitch

Year 4

  • Construction: Viking longships (scale models, precision cutting)

  • Food and cooking: bread and chocolate (global food origins)

  • Textiles: Shibori dyed wall hangings; blanket stitch

Year 5

  • Construction: skyscrapers and iconic buildings (structures and bracing)

  • Food and cooking: traditional British dishes (e.g. Stargazey Pie, Parkin)

  • Textiles: printed and dyed textiles (stencil/screen printing)

Year 6

  • Construction: architectural design projects using CAD and prototypes

  • Food and cooking: WW2 fruitcake and goat curry (food miles, adaptation)

  • Textiles: independently designed textile products using advanced techniques