Design & Technology at Eastcroft Park

Our D.T lead is Miss Withey

At our school, our Design and Technology (D&T) curriculum is built using the D&T Association’s ‘Project on a Page’ planning tool. This helps us make sure children learn key skills and knowledge in a clear and structured way.

Our aim is for all pupils to become creative problem-solvers who can design, make, and evaluate products for any given purpose and audience.

We teach children how to use tools safely, work with different materials, and understand how things work. By the time they leave primary school, we want our pupils to have a solid understanding of the design process, know how to plan and test their ideas, and be confident in using a range of D&T skills to bring their ideas to life.

Take a look at our D&T curriculum below to see our pupil's incredible creations!

Mental Health
D&T helps support children’s mental health by giving them a sense of achievement. When children design and make something themselves, it boosts their confidence and self-esteem. It also gives them a chance to be creative, which can be relaxing and enjoyable. Working with their hands and focusing on a task can help reduce stress and improve wellbeing. It can also help them to connect with their peers and work as a team, therefore boosting their wellbeing.

EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage)
In the Early Years, D&T supports learning through play and exploration. Children build models, use different materials, and start to understand how things work. This hands-on learning helps develop their fine motor skills, thinking skills, and imagination. It also lays the foundation for problem-solving and creative thinking that they will use as they move through school. Please see the EYFS page for more information.

Inclusion
D&T is a subject where all children can take part and shine. It values different ways of thinking and learning. Whether a child prefers drawing, building, or talking through ideas, there’s a place for everyone. D&T allows children with different needs and abilities to work together, share ideas, and learn from each other in a practical and meaningful way.

Communication, Language and Vocabulary
D&T gives children lots of opportunities to talk, listen, and explain their thinking. They learn and use new vocabulary linked to materials, tools, and the design process. They also practise giving instructions, describing their ideas, and evaluating their work. This helps build strong communication and language skills in a real-life context.

Tolerance and Diversity
In D&T, children learn to value different ideas, cultures, and ways of doing things. They explore how products are designed and used around the world and understand that people have different needs and preferences. Working together on projects helps them to listen to others, share ideas, and show respect for different viewpoints, helping to build a more inclusive and tolerant school community.

Cultural Capital/Aspirations
Through D&T, children learn about the world around them, including how products are made and used in different places and cultures. They explore famous inventors, designers, and real-life problems. This helps build their understanding of the wider world and prepares them with the knowledge and experiences they need for later life. We regularly discuss how enjoyment in D&T can lead to job opportunities and high aspirations for the future. D&T helps children to see the wide range of exciting careers they could aim for in the future. From engineers and architects to fashion designers and inventors, children learn that their creativity and practical skills can lead to real jobs. It encourages them to aim high, believe in themselves, and understand that their ideas can make a difference in the world.