Intent
At Larwood School, our Design and Technology curriculum is ambitious, engaging, and inclusive. Every child is given the opportunity to develop essential knowledge and practical skills for life and future learning.
Our topics follow the National Curriculum (2014) and provide broad, balanced learning that is carefully planned and adapted to support individual progress. We aim to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for design that lasts beyond primary school, encouraging pupils to become creative problem-solvers who can work independently and collaboratively.
Through Design and Technology, pupils learn to identify real needs and develop ideas, products, and systems in response. They build practical skills while considering how design impacts the world around them — socially, environmentally, and industrially. Pupils also reflect on how technology has shaped our lives in the past and continues to influence the present.
Implementation
Design and Technology is taught progressively across the school to help pupils build on prior knowledge and skills over time. DT is integrated into our creative curriculum, with practical sessions such as “Hands-on Mondays” and “Skills” that focus on skill-based learning linked to wider topics.
Lessons are designed to be practical and engaging, often taking pupils beyond the classroom environment. Each topic begins with a ‘Stunning Start’ to capture interest and ends with a ‘Fantastic Finish’ to showcase learning with transferable skills such as reading and numeracy incorporated throughout where appropriate.
Design and Technology is accessible to all pupils, including those with special educational needs and those who are gifted and talented. Lessons are differentiated to provide appropriate challenge and support, ensuring every child can succeed.
Impact
Our Design and Technology curriculum is high quality, well-structured, and demonstrates clear progression.
Impact is measured through:
Assessing pupils’ understanding of key vocabulary
Reviewing practical work through images and videos
Moderating work in books
Staff discussions and scrutiny of outcomes
Marking written work
Annual reporting of standards across the subject
Evaluating finished products
This approach ensures pupils develop creativity, practical skills, and problem-solving abilities that prepare them for future learning and life beyond school.
