Throughout the design technology curriculum, pupils will be tasked with a variety of projects that are rooted in real-world problems and challenges. With projects ranging from classroom dilemmas to community support, from national energy saving to the international plastics crisis, pupils will develop skills and fundamental design knowledge to help solve a range of problems. Using the repeated pattern of research – practice - design - make – evaluate, pupils will work through a spiral curriculum that builds on knowledge and skills across cooking and nutrition, mechanisms, textiles, structures and electrical systems.

By the end of their journey in DT, pupils will:

• Understand the fundamentals of a variety of food groups, dietary needs, cooking skills and the importance of a healthy lifestyle
• Comprehend consumer awareness and the impact food and its packaging has upon the environment
• Design, make and evaluate a variety of structures, mechanical systems, and electrical systems
• Design, make and evaluate a variety of products based upon set criteria and considering the views of others.
• Apply their growing understanding to offer practical and creative solutions to a variety of real-world challenges
• Develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks

For details on the content of the design and technology curriculum for each term across each academic year, please see the knowledge organisers (KO) below.

In Year 6, the final DT unit for the summer term is Mechanisms (pulleys, gears and cams). Pupils work together to design and build all the elements of a successful racing team. Showcased in the RIVERS Boxcar Rally – see more in our boxcar rally gallery.