Design Technology (DT)

At Hunslet Moor Primary School, we believe our Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum is an essential part of our broad balanced curriculum allowing all children to have access.

We aim to provide the children a practical, inspiring subject which supports our children in acquiring, developing and embedding key skills.

Intent

At Hunslet Moor Primary School, Design and Technology is an essential part of the broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring all children have access to a practical and inspiring subject. The D&T curriculum supports pupils in developing and embedding key creative, technical and practical skills while promoting enjoyment, purpose and satisfaction in designing and making. Pupils are encouraged to investigate how things work, communicate ideas using a range of media and develop visual literacy and specialist vocabulary. Teaching is aligned with the National Curriculum and enables children to think critically, evaluate their own work and consider the needs of users, materials, sustainability and safety. Through D&T, pupils develop an understanding of technological processes, products and their impact on society and the wider world. The curriculum also places strong emphasis on nutrition and food preparation, equipping children with essential life skills, particularly important in supporting families within the local community.

Implementation

At Hunslet Moor Primary School, Design and Technology is a broad and balanced subject that all children are entitled to access, regardless of background, ability or need. The curriculum supports pupils in developing practical life skills, including a broader understanding of diet and nutrition, which is particularly valuable for families with limited food experiences. Across KS1 and KS2, pupils study three D&T units each year, with meaningful links made to subjects such as History, Geography and Science. Teaching is carefully planned, monitored and adapted to meet the needs of all learners, including pupils with SEND, ensuring full access to the curriculum. In Early Years, children develop essential D&T skills through Expressive Arts and Design, using a range of materials, tools and role-play opportunities, with learning linked across the wider curriculum. Learning is evidenced through class floor books, supported by recognised planning resources from the Design and Technology Association, alongside a strong emphasis on vocabulary, reading and writing across the subject.

Impact

Through the Design and Technology curriculum at Hunslet Moor Primary School, children are engaged and inspired to use their creativity and imagination with a clear practical purpose to their learning. Each year, pupils build confidence and develop skills that link with other areas of the curriculum, including language, mathematics, science and computing, as well as the wider world. The majority of children are well prepared for future learning in D&T and can demonstrate taught techniques effectively. Pupils are able to critique, evaluate and test their ideas, which is evidenced in class floor books and through discussions about their projects. Children also share their learning at home, developing an awareness of nutrition, healthy choices and basic cooking skills. Summative assessment is completed using Sonar, drawing on evidence from observations and recorded learning.