Design and Technology at Checkendon Primary School

Intent: why we teach design and technology

Our vision to unlock the unique voice within each child, fostering a lifelong aspiration of learning excellence, lies at the heart of the Checkendon Church of England (A) Primary School design and technology curriculum. Through practical projects and problem-solving activities, we aim to develop pupils’ creativity, technical understanding, and confidence to design, make, and evaluate within a caring Christian community.

Rooted in our values of respect, integrity, compassion, courage, and hope, we aim for every pupil to develop practical skills, knowledge, and confidence to design, make, and evaluate products thoughtfully and responsibly.

Our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to:

• Develop technical skills in designing, making, and evaluating across a range of materials and technologies.
• Encourage creativity, innovation, and independent thinking.
• Foster understanding of real-world contexts, sustainability, and the work of designers and engineers.
• Ensure all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged backgrounds, achieve success in line with their peers.
• Reflect our Christian values:
  • Respect for materials, processes, and the work of others
  • Integrity in planning, constructing, and presenting designs
  • Compassion through collaboration and supporting peers
  • Courage to test ideas, learn from mistakes, and improve
  • Hope inspired by innovation, problem-solving, and practical achievement

Implementation: how we teach design and technology

• Units are planned progressively from Reception to Year 6, developing skills and knowledge in line with the National Curriculum.
• Lessons involve practical exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving, encouraging pupils to adapt techniques and test ideas.
• Pupils are supported through adapted tasks, scaffolding, and guidance, with opportunities for challenge and cross-curricular links.
• Pupils develop design vocabulary, plan and evaluate their own and others’ work, and learn to present their ideas clearly.
• Sketchbooks, prototypes, and final products are used to document learning and celebrate progress.
• Assessment is carried out through Sonar Small Steps, tracking pupils’ skills and knowledge termly to ensure progress and identify next steps.

Impact: outcomes and evidence

Academic impact

• Pupils develop practical skills, creativity, and confidence in designing and making products.
• Knowledge of materials, processes, and real-world applications grows progressively throughout the school.

Personal development and character

• Pupils develop resilience, curiosity, and independence through problem-solving and iterative design.
• Collaboration and reflection foster compassion, integrity, and courage in learning.

Cultural and social impact

• Design and Technology encourages awareness of sustainability, innovation, and the wider world.
• Pupils share and celebrate their work with the school and community, enhancing pride and belonging.
• By the time they leave Checkendon, pupils are confident, creative, and capable designers, equipped with practical skills, imagination, and the character to flourish.

Evaluation and continuous improvement

• Progress and attainment are monitored termly using Sonar Small Steps, alongside work scrutiny and pupil feedback, to inform planning and next steps.
• Governors and subject leaders monitor impact to ensure alignment with the school’s Christian vision and Ofsted priorities: curriculum quality, personal development, inclusion, and engagement.