Design and Technology at Christ Church

Our approach to Design and Technology is rooted in our Christian vision that every child is a unique gift from God and shaped by our core values of Love, Faith and Hope. At Christ Church, we believe Design and Technology encourages creativity, problem-solving and innovation while helping pupils develop the confidence to design, make and evaluate products that meet real-life needs.

Using the Kapow Design and Technology scheme to support progression and curriculum planning, pupils develop technical knowledge and practical skills progressively from EYFS to Year 6. The curriculum is carefully sequenced to build understanding in areas such as structures, mechanisms, textiles, food technology and electrical systems, enabling pupils to apply prior learning and develop increasing independence over time. This reflects the school’s wider commitment to a coherent and knowledge-rich curriculum identified within our SEF.

Through Design and Technology, pupils are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems and take pride in the process of designing and making. Teachers explicitly model key vocabulary, techniques and processes so pupils can develop confidence and accuracy when planning, creating and evaluating their work. Pupils learn to reflect on their ideas, adapt designs and understand that resilience and perseverance are important parts of the design process.

Practical learning is central to our approach. Pupils are given opportunities to explore materials, investigate products and apply their learning through hands-on experiences that are purposeful and engaging. Links across the curriculum help pupils understand how Design and Technology connects to everyday life and the wider world.

We believe all pupils should be able to access and enjoy Design and Technology. Teachers use adaptive strategies, modelling and practical support to ensure pupils with SEND and EAL can participate successfully and develop confidence alongside their peers. Lessons are carefully structured so all children experience challenge, success and a sense of achievement.

Our curriculum also helps pupils develop wider life skills including teamwork, communication, organisation and independence. Through evaluating products and considering the needs of others, pupils are encouraged to think critically and responsibly about design choices and their impact.

Assessment is used throughout lessons to identify misconceptions, support skill development and help pupils improve and refine their ideas over time. Leaders monitor curriculum implementation through pupil voice, lesson visits and work scrutiny to ensure learning remains progressive, ambitious and meaningful.

Through our Design and Technology curriculum, we aim to develop creative, resilient and reflective learners who are confident in exploring ideas, solving problems and designing with purpose and imagination.

John 10:10 – ‘I come that they may have life and have it in abundance’