Design and Technology

At Upminster Junior School, Design and Technology (DT) is a creative and practical subject that inspires children to design, make, and evaluate real products for real purposes. Through engaging, hands-on learning, children are encouraged to think independently, solve problems, and develop their curiosity about how things work in the world around them. DT supports children in becoming confident learners who can plan, create and reflect on their own designs, with a focus on function as well as creativity.

Knowledge

Children gain essential knowledge about materials, structures, mechanisms, electrical systems, textiles and food and nutrition. They learn about famous designers and innovators, past and present, and the impact design has on our everyday lives. Across the school, key vocabulary and concepts are carefully built upon each year, helping children develop a deep understanding of the subject. DT also links closely with other areas of the curriculum such as science, maths, art and computing, making learning purposeful and connected.

Skills

Our DT curriculum helps children develop a wide range of practical and technical skills. These include cutting, joining, measuring, using tools safely and following design processes. Children also learn to plan and adapt their ideas, think critically and evaluate both their own work and the work of others. Throughout their time at school, pupils are encouraged to take creative risks and work both independently and as part of a team, developing resilience and collaboration skills that will support them well beyond the classroom.

Experiences

DT lessons at Upminster Junior School are hands-on, immersive and engaging. Children explore real-life design challenges and create products with a purpose - for example, building a moving toy or designing a healthy meal. Lessons include investigating and evaluating existing products, learning specific skills through focused tasks and then applying this knowledge in their own unique designs. Children also cook in our canteen, learning about nutrition and food preparation in a real kitchen environment. These experiences not only make learning memorable, but also help children see the relevance of DT in everyday life.

Design and Technology Long Term Plan