Design & Technology
At St Nicholas Primary School, Design and Technology inspires children to become creative, imaginative and innovative designers.
Our curriculum enables children to design and make products in a variety of contexts while drawing on cross-curricular links such as mathematics, science and computing. Children are encouraged to take risks, solve problems and think creatively while exploring our three core areas:
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food technology
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construction
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textiles
Throughout the school, pupils practise and develop their skills using Design and Technology books, allowing them to reflect on their ideas and evaluate their work.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
At St Nicholas, children are designers from the very start.
In EYFS, the learning environment encourages children to:
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be creative and take risks
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explore a range of tools and materials
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develop confidence in using equipment safely
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talk about their designs and discoveries
Learning is hands-on and play-based, supporting early problem-solving and creativity.
Key Stage 1
In Years 1 and 2, children build on early skills and begin to think more critically.
They follow a consistent design process:
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investigate
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focused practical task
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design
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make
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evaluate
Through creative and practical activities, children:
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develop knowledge and understanding of materials
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select appropriate tools and equipment
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design and make appealing products
Children are supported and guided, while still being given freedom and independence in their ideas.
Key Stage 2
In Years 3–6, children continue to follow the same structured design process:
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investigate
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focused practical task
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design
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make
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evaluate
They revisit and deepen their understanding of:
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food technology
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construction
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textiles
Children design purposeful products and evaluate them critically. They also begin to use electricity within construction, including Crumble kits, to create functional designs. Design and Technology remains hands-on and child-led throughout the school.
How Can I Support My Child with Design & Technology?
Keep it practical
You don’t need specialist materials. Encourage opportunities to research, investigate, design, make and evaluate — even observing everyday tasks like cooking, fixing or sewing.
Supervise and support
When using tools or equipment, ensure children are supervised and understand how to work safely.
Celebrate mistakes
Making mistakes and facing challenges is essential. Encourage children to reflect, adapt and improve their ideas.
Link to stories
Reading a story together? Ask your child to design something related — a rocket, bridge or vehicle — thinking carefully about materials and tools.
Useful Websites
Design & Technology at Home
Ideas for practical design and technology activities children can do at home.
James Dyson Foundation
Inspiring resources, videos and challenges created by designers and engineers.
https://www.jamesdysonfoundation.co.uk/
BBC Bitesize – Key Stage 1
Design and Technology activities for younger pupils. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
BBC Bitesize – Key Stage 2
Activities and guidance to support learning in upper primary. https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
Crumble
Projects using electronics and coding to support construction tasks. https://redfernelectronics.co.uk/crumble/
Junk Modelling Ideas
Creative inspiration using recycled materials to design and make models.
BBC Good Food
Simple, no-cook recipes designed especially for children. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/
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