Design Technology

Intent 

At Swindon Academy, our aim is to inspire children through practical and engaging Design and Technology (DT) experiences. 

• Children learn to design solutions to real-life problems. 

• We follow a design process, where pupils plan, test, reflect, and improve. 

• Pupils explore how design and technology impacts the world around them. 

• The curriculum encourages innovation and creativity. 

• Lessons include time to evaluate existing products and understand their purposes. 

• Historical designers and key events are discussed to show the subject’s real-world relevance. 

• Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum and ensures clear progression of skills and knowledge. 

 

Implementation 

We have written our bespoke DT curriculum for Swindon Academy, which is carefully structured to build skills and understanding over time. 

• Follows the National Curriculum and EYFS framework. 

• Children complete three DT units each year—Construction (Autumn), Textiles (Spring), and Food (Summer). 

• Each unit is delivered during dedicated DT days to fully immerse pupils in the subject. 

• Learning is progressive, building on skills year by year within each theme. 

• We follow a process in all lessons—plan, do, review, improve. 

• Lessons revisit previous skills while introducing new knowledge. 

• Vocabulary is explicitly taught and reinforced through displays and resources. 

• All children are encouraged to take creative risks and develop independent design thinking. 

 

Impact 

We want every child to enjoy and succeed in Design and Technology. 

• Pupils talk confidently about their work using correct vocabulary. 

• Evidence of learning is visible in the classroom and across the school. 

• Children assess their own progress through checklists and reflection tools. 

• Learning is tracked through quizzes, discussions, and assessment activities. 

• Our goal is for pupils to leave primary school with a strong foundation in DT and a love for designing and making.