DT
At St Matthew’s, Design & Technology (D.T.) is an exciting, hands-on subject that encourages children to develop creativity, problem-solving skills, and practical expertise. Our curriculum is designed to give pupils opportunities to plan, design, make, and evaluate a wide range of projects, helping them become confident and independent learners.
How We Teach D.T.
Children develop their skills through practical tasks and projects, which include:
Identifying and solving problems by exploring a variety of materials, tools, and techniques
Designing and planning their own ideas, using sketches, diagrams, and notes
Creating products, prototypes, or models to test their ideas
Evaluating and improving their solutions throughout the project
Collaborating and supporting peers, sharing ideas and learning from each other
We encourage children to think critically, innovate, and refine their work, giving them a strong sense of pride and accomplishment in their creations.
Statutory Requirements
Design & Technology is statutory for all primary schools in Key Stages 1 and 2, and pupils are expected to develop skills in the following areas:
Design – Generate, develop, model, and communicate ideas through drawing, discussion, prototypes, or computer-aided design
Make – Select and use tools, materials, and techniques safely and effectively to create high-quality products
Evaluate – Test, evaluate, and refine ideas and products against design criteria and user needs
Technical Knowledge – Build understanding of mechanisms, structures, and electrical systems appropriate to their age
Cooking and Nutrition – Prepare and cook healthy dishes, understanding basic principles of nutrition and hygiene
Our Goals for Pupils
By engaging in D.T. projects at St Matthew’s, children will:
Develop confidence in planning, making, and problem-solving
Learn to critically evaluate their own work and that of others
Gain practical skills that support creativity and innovation
Foster teamwork, perseverance, and independence
Apply knowledge and skills in cross-curricular projects, linking science, maths, computing, and art