At Meriden Church of England Primary School, Design and Technology (DT) provides children with opportunities to be creative, curious and practical learners. Through designing, making and evaluating, pupils develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to solve problems, think creatively and apply their learning to real-life situations.

Our DT curriculum is carefully sequenced so that children build upon their knowledge and skills as they move through the school. We encourage pupils to explore ideas, make informed choices, take pride in their work and learn from both their successes and their mistakes.

The National Curriculum identifies three key stages within the design process: design, make and evaluate. These are supported by technical knowledge, enabling children to understand the materials, processes, techniques and principles needed to create successful products.

Our curriculum is organised around four key strands:

• Design – developing ideas, researching, planning and communicating designs.

• Make – selecting and using appropriate tools, materials and techniques to create purposeful products.

• Evaluate – testing and refining products and considering how well they meet their intended purpose.

• Technical Knowledge – developing an understanding of materials, structures, mechanisms, electrical systems and how things work.

Our Six Key Areas

Throughout their time at Meriden, pupils revisit and develop their knowledge and skills across six key areas:

1. Cooking and Nutrition

2. Mechanisms and Mechanical Systems

3. Structures

4. Textiles

5. Electrical Systems – Key Stage 2

6. The Digital World – Key Stage 2

Cooking and Nutrition has a particular focus within our DT curriculum. Children develop practical cooking skills and learn about healthy eating, nutrition, where food comes from, seasonality and the importance of making healthy and sustainable food choices.

Across all areas of DT, children are encouraged to become creative problem-solvers, resilient learners and thoughtful designers. They learn to work independently and collaboratively, developing practical skills alongside communication, critical thinking and decision-making.

Our Design and Technology curriculum supports our vision of Friends, Faith and Lifelong Learning, giving children opportunities to flourish as confident, capable learners who can apply their knowledge and creativity to the world around them.