Design & Technology
At Radwinter we believe Design Technology is much more than a subject; it is an inspiring and practical journey that nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. Our Design Technology curriculum encourages every child to flourish by developing essential skills for an ever-changing technological world.
What Will Children Learn?
Design Technology at Radwinter is a rigorous and creative subject where children take on the roles of designers and technologists. They learn to design purposeful products for real users and specific purposes, developing their imagination and practical skills through engaging, hands-on activities. Our topic-based curriculum connects learning to the wider world, exposing children to diverse products and ideas that spark curiosity and innovation.
Children become developers, evaluators, and critics of their own and others’ work, exploring how products can be adapted or improved to better meet user needs. This approach reflects our core values of kindness, respect, and service by encouraging empathy and thoughtful design for others.
How Is Design Technology Taught?
Our teaching is based on fundamental principles that give children ownership of their learning and foster resilience:
- User: Children identify who will use their product, considering the needs and perspectives of real people or groups.
- Purpose: They clarify the function their product must perform.
- Functionality: Children understand how their product works and what makes it successful.
- Design: Pupils make creative choices, learn from mistakes, and use each step to refine their designs.
- Innovation: We encourage children to think differently and try new approaches.
- Authenticity: Children evaluate how realistic and useful their products are to themselves and others.
Our curriculum is carefully mapped to ensure skills and knowledge progress year-on-year. We embed Design Technology learning across school life, including:
- Forest School sessions: Children design and build dens using natural materials, learning teamwork, problem-solving, and practical skills.
- Dyson Engineering Box: An inspiring resource that introduces children to real-world engineering concepts and careers, fostering curiosity and ambition.
- STEAM Club and Topic Weeks: Extra-curricular and whole-school activities that deepen understanding through science, technology, engineering, arts, and maths.
What Are the Outcomes for Our Children?
By engaging with Design Technology, children at Radwinter develop:
- Creative, technical, and practical expertise to confidently perform everyday tasks.
- The ability to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a variety of users.
- Critical evaluation skills to test and improve their own work and that of others.
- Knowledge and skills in nutrition and cooking, supporting healthy lifestyles.
- Resourcefulness, innovation, and enterprise, preparing them to be capable and confident citizens.
These outcomes align closely with our Christian vision, nurturing wisdom, hope, community, and dignity in every child. Our children learn to appreciate diversity and the richness of the world, celebrating difference while developing skills that contribute to the well-being of society.
Bringing Our Vision to Life Through Design Technology
Design Technology at Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary School embodies our commitment to providing a caring, happy, and secure environment where every child is valued and encouraged to flourish. Through creative exploration and practical application, children grow not only as learners but as compassionate individuals ready to embrace life in all its fullness.
Join Us in Supporting Your Child’s Creative Journey
We invite parents and carers to engage with your child’s learning in Design Technology by:
- Encouraging curiosity about how things work and how they might be improved.
- Discussing products and designs encountered in daily life.
- Supporting participation in our STEAM club and special project weeks.
Together, we can nurture the next generation of thoughtful, innovative, and caring makers and problem-solvers.
At Radwinter CofE (VA) Primary Join Us in Supporting Your Child’s Creative Journey School, we are proud to inspire every child to design, create, and innovate—equipping them with skills and values that will serve them well throughout their lives.