Vision for Design and Technology

‘I can do all things through Him who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13)
‘With fun and learning, hand in hand, all things are possible.’

“People who say it cannot be done should not interrupt those who are doing it.” – George Bernard Shaw

At Archbishop Benson, we strive to teach each child to see themselves as a designer and creative problem solver. We provide rich, varied and hands-on opportunities that encourage children to use their creativity and imagination to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems. This inspiring and practical subject prepares children to contribute to the rapidly changing world of tomorrow. Pupils with additional needs have full access to all opportunities and can achieve success alongside their peers.

We deliver the National Curriculum through a blend of 'Kapow' Primary units and bespoke Archbishop Benson units, giving children a clear progression of skills and knowledge. Design and Technology is taught each term for half a term through engaging, hands-on projects. Children follow the three main stages of the design process: design, make, and evaluate, supported by technical knowledge of materials, tools, and techniques. Cooking & Nutrition is included within these units, allowing pupils to prepare food, explore its origins, and learn about diet and seasonality. The practical process is simple: research, plan and design, make, test, and evaluate and improve. These stages, alongside technical knowledge, form the four strands of our curriculum: Design, Make, Evaluate and Technical knowledge.

Pupils revisit five key areas across primary school, building on prior learning with increasing complexity:

• MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
• COOKING & NUTRITION
• STRUCTURES
• TEXTILES
• DIGITAL WORLD & ELECTRONICS

Lessons use a range of strategies, including independent, paired and group work, practical activities, computer-based tasks and creative problem-solving. This ensures lessons are engaging and accessible for all learning styles, while differentiated guidance supports pupils with additional needs and extension opportunities challenge those who are ready.

Through this approach, children develop skills across the five key areas, tackling real-world challenges and practical projects creatively and collaboratively. Closely linked to our school values, the curriculum encourages pupils to identify their own and others’ needs and respond by developing ideas and creating products that inspire them to become future change-makers.

We seek to:

• foster enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose in designing and making
• deliver the aims and content of the National Curriculum through a blend of the ‘Kapow’ Scheme of Work and Archbishop Benson bespoke units
• encourage children to explore and learn through hands-on projects, making links with other subjects such as art, language, mathematics, science, computing and the natural world
• plan inclusive lessons that enable all children, including those who may face additional barriers, to develop confidence, practical skills, creativity and independence when designing and making
• motivate and encourage children to master important life skills, such as using kitchen tools safely or developing a resilient approach to problem solving
• nurture a passion for design and technology and a commitment to high-quality DT teaching
• recognise how key events and individuals in design and technology have helped to shape the world