DT

Intent

Design and Technology is everywhere, from a simple child’s toy or our clothing to mobile phones and computers. Through Design and Technology, children at Great Missenden explore the designed and manufactured world around them. They learn to apply knowledge of design, structures, mechanisms, and various materials, including food, to create functional products. Pupils are given opportunities to solve real and relevant problems by investigating, innovating, and testing their ideas, becoming resilient and resourceful learners.

We believe that engaging in Design and Technology inspires our children to be curious, creative, and develop practical skills, while also addressing important issues such as sustainability and enterprise.

Implementation

At Great Missenden, we implement a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum that is progressive from Year 1 to Year 6. DT is taught with meaningful cross-curricular links to subjects such as Science, Geography, and History when relevant. Our curriculum follows the National Curriculum, ensuring that DT is given equal importance alongside core subjects. Each child is provided with a sketchbook from Year 1, where they can document their ideas, track their growth, and develop practical skills. Regular hands-on projects allow pupils to explore materials, mechanisms, and design techniques. Our focus on embedding knowledge through consistent practice helps ensure children apply their skills creatively and confidently across different areas of learning.

As a Food For Life Gold standard school, we are able to give every child the opportunity to visit and take part in seasonal gardening activities in the school’s vegetable garden and poly-tunnels as well as providing opportunities to take part in cooking activities.

We promote a knowledge and understanding of seasonality and sustainability in the production and consumption of food sourced locally, nationally and from around the world.  Wider environmental issues and the children’s sense of responsibility for caring for the environment is explored through activities including those led by our eco-warriors.

The Design Make Evaluate ethos of Design and Technology gives our children opportunities to develop our school values of courage and respect; courage to try new ideas and techniques (exemplified through our Growth Mindset culture) and respect in constructively evaluating our own and others designs and products. The ability to research and analyse a variety of existing products both current and through time develops an understanding of and respect for the social, cultural, religious and ethnical diversity of their own country and the wider world.

Impact

The impact of our Design and Technology curriculum at Great Missenden is evident in the creativity, confidence, and practical skills our pupils develop. Through engaging, hands-on projects, children become adept at applying their knowledge to solve real-world problems, fostering resilience and resourcefulness. By the time they leave Great Missenden, students not only possess a strong foundation in design principles and techniques but also a deep appreciation for the role of DT in everyday life. Our approach equips them with the skills and mindset necessary to challenge conventions and think critically, preparing them to be innovative contributors to their communities.