DT Curriculum at Brackenwood Junior School

Curriculum

DT Curriculum at Brackenwood Junior School

Design and Technology Intent

At Brackenwood Junior School, we value Design and Technology as an essential and creative subject that encourages children to become innovative problem-solvers. Through practical learning experiences, we aim to equip our pupils with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to design, create, and evaluate functional products with real-world applications. We believe that D&T fosters resilience, critical thinking, and teamwork, empowering children to take risks and develop solutions to challenges in an ever-evolving world.

Our curriculum ensures that every child has the opportunity to explore a range of D&T skills, including designing, making, and evaluating products using different materials and techniques. From woodworking and textiles to electrical systems and food technology, our pupils develop hands-on expertise in crafting purposeful and high-quality creations. We encourage children to think like designers and engineers, applying their learning across STEM subjects while working collaboratively in pairs or small groups.

Following the National Curriculum for Design and Technology, each year group follows a structured progression of skills, allowing children to build upon their knowledge as they move through the school. Pupils learn to investigate and analyse existing products, develop their technical skills, and apply their creativity to solve design challenges. They are introduced to computer-aided design (CAD) and mechanisms, further expanding their understanding of modern design processes.

Beyond the classroom, children experience real-world design applications through workshops, STEM events, and hands-on projects linked to industry professionals. They have the opportunity to take part in competitions and collaborative projects within the MAT, enriching their learning experiences.

At Brackenwood Junior School, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation of designers, engineers, and innovators. By nurturing creativity, curiosity, and technical skills, we ensure that every child is prepared to shape the future with confidence and originality.

Design and Technology implementation

At Brackenwood Junior School, we want our children to see themselves as designers, creators, and problem-solvers, developing a lifelong appreciation for Design and Technology. D&T is a subject that enriches children’s education, fostering creativity, innovation, and practical skills that extend far beyond the classroom. It contributes significantly to the development of transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and presenting ideas effectively. These skills are essential for children’s growth as independent learners and have real-world applications in their daily lives and future careers. Engaging in D&T also enhances motor skills, coordination, and perseverance, as children work collaboratively to design, build, and refine their creations.

Through the delivery of the Kapow scheme, D&T lessons at Brackenwood encourage children to explore new concepts, materials, and design processes. Our curriculum focuses on equipping children with the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to become confident designers, makers, and evaluators. Pupils engage in hands-on projects where they research, plan, construct, and refine their work, using a wide range of tools and techniques safely and effectively.

Children will develop key D&T skills such as designing for a purpose, selecting and using materials appropriately, understanding mechanisms and structures, and applying their learning to real-world problems. They will explore the history and evolution of design, gaining an appreciation of how technology shapes our lives and the world around us. Our school values the creativity and practical application of D&T as an integral part of a rich, broad, and balanced curriculum, ensuring every child has the opportunity to think critically, create with confidence, and bring their ideas to life.