Design & Technology

At Five Spires Academy, our Design & Technology curriculum inspires pupils to become creative thinkers, problem-solvers and innovators.

Through practical and engaging projects, children learn to design, make and evaluate products for real purposes and users, developing the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Our carefully sequenced curriculum enables pupils to build their understanding of structures, mechanisms, textiles, food and nutrition, electrical systems and digital technologies.

Learning is organised around four key strands:

• Design
• Make
• Evaluate
• Technical Knowledge

These strands are revisited throughout each year group, allowing pupils to deepen their knowledge and develop increasingly sophisticated skills over time.

A key strength of our curriculum is the variety of meaningful design challenges pupils experience. From constructing stable structures and creating textile products to designing mechanical systems, programming digital technologies and preparing nutritious meals, children learn how Design & Technology shapes the world around them.

We place a strong emphasis on creativity, resilience and innovation. Pupils are encouraged to investigate problems, generate ideas, test solutions and refine their designs, learning that successful products are often the result of careful evaluation and improvement.

Sustainability is woven throughout the curriculum. Pupils consider the environmental impact of design decisions through projects involving sustainable materials, seasonal food, packaging design and responsible consumption. This helps children understand how designers can create solutions that benefit both people and the planet.

Subject-specific vocabulary is taught progressively from EYFS to Year 6, enabling pupils to communicate their ideas confidently and evaluate products using appropriate technical language.

By the end of Year 6, pupils have developed the confidence to design, make and evaluate purposeful products, apply technical knowledge effectively and approach problems with creativity and independence. They leave Five Spires as reflective, skilled and innovative young designers, ready for the next stage of their education.

Long Term Plan