Design & Technology

Intent Statement Design & Technology Primary Phase

At FreshSteps, Design and Technology for our primary pupils is designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, confidence, and practical problem-solving skills through a wide range of engaging hands-on activities. We aim to provide pupils with opportunities to explore, design, create, and evaluate while developing important fine motor and technical skills that support their overall learning and independence.

Through activities such as cutting on lines, joining materials, basic crocheting, crafting, and model making, pupils are encouraged to develop precision, resilience, and creativity in a supportive and nurturing environment. Our curriculum promotes teamwork, communication, and responsibility, enabling pupils to work collaboratively while building confidence in their own ideas and abilities.

We are committed to creating an inclusive curriculum that celebrates diversity and different cultures, ensuring all pupils feel valued and represented. Through creative projects linked to cultural celebrations and wider curriculum themes, pupils develop an understanding and appreciation of the world around them while expressing themselves imaginatively and respectfully.

Implementation Statement

Design and Technology at FreshSteps is delivered through practical, hands-on learning experiences that encourage pupils to actively explore materials, tools, and techniques in a safe and engaging environment. Lessons are carefully planned to develop fine motor skills, creativity, independence, and teamwork through a progressive range of activities suited to the needs and abilities of all learners.

Pupils are taught key practical skills including cutting accurately, joining materials, shaping, decorating, basic crocheting, and constructing simple products. Staff provide modelling, guidance, and opportunities for repetition to support pupils in developing confidence and precision within their work.

Creative projects are often linked to themes within the wider curriculum and SMSC development to promote cultural understanding and personal growth. For example, pupils recently demonstrated their imagination and design skills through the Puppet Project, where they designed and created both scary and friendly monster puppets using a range of materials and techniques.

As part of our Alternative Curriculum and support for pupils’ Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development, pupils also created bright and colourful Diwali pop-up cards. This engaging project enabled pupils to explore and celebrate cultural traditions while developing practical design skills in a fun and meaningful way.

Throughout the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to work collaboratively, share ideas, reflect on their work, and take pride in their achievements within a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Impact Statement

Through Design and Technology, pupils at FreshSteps develop creativity, confidence, resilience, and important practical life skills. Pupils become more independent learners who are willing to explore ideas, solve problems, and take pride in producing their own creative outcomes.

The curriculum supports the development of fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, concentration, and communication skills, while also encouraging teamwork, responsibility, and perseverance. Pupils learn how to safely use tools and materials while developing the confidence to express their ideas creatively.

By engaging in cultural and collaborative projects such as the Puppet Project and Diwali pop-up cards, pupils develop a greater understanding of diversity, inclusion, and respect for different traditions and communities. These experiences help to strengthen pupils’ social and emotional development while promoting enjoyment, self-expression, and positive engagement in learning.

As a result, pupils leave Design and Technology lessons feeling successful, motivated, and proud of their achievements, with growing confidence in their ability to create, design, and work collaboratively with others.