DT

DT Curriculum

Design and Technology at Pippins is structured around three key threshold concepts: mastering practical skills, designing, making, evaluating and improving, and taking inspiration from design throughout history . From the early years, children explore materials, tools and simple mechanisms through hands-on investigation, building the fine motor control and curiosity that underpin later technical learning. In Key Stage 1, pupils design purposeful and appealing products based on clear criteria, select appropriate tools and materials, and begin evaluating their work against a design brief. Cooking and nutrition form an important strand, where children learn the principles of a healthy and varied diet and begin to understand where food comes from .

As pupils progress into Key Stage 2, the curriculum develops greater independence, precision and technical understanding. Children research existing products, generate and model ideas using annotated sketches and prototypes, and apply increasingly accurate cutting, shaping, joining and finishing techniques . They strengthen and reinforce structures, use mechanical and electrical systems, and apply computing to monitor or control products. Units range from textiles, shelters and packaging to fairgrounds, alarms and food technology, ensuring breadth and progression across materials and disciplines. By Year 6, pupils can confidently refine designs, solve problems during the making process and evaluate products against detailed criteria, understanding how design and technology shape the modern world.

For full details, please see the uploaded curriculum documents .