Design and Technology

DT at The Beacon

At Beacon CE Primary School, our Design and Technology (DT) curriculum builds progressively from EYFS through to Year 6, developing children’s skills in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control, and materials, including food. DT encourages creativity and problem-solving, inviting children to think critically about a product’s purpose and the steps needed to create functional designs.

Our progressive DT curriculum ensures that each year builds on the last, enhancing practical and creative skills step-by-step. In EYFS, children explore basic construction and creative play, laying the foundation for more complex projects in Key Stages 1 and 2. As they progress, pupils learn to plan, test, and refine their designs, developing resilience, adaptability, and a practical understanding of how products are made and used. This gradual increase in challenge ensures that by Year 6, pupils are equipped with a broad, adaptable skill set in design and making.

A unique element of our DT curriculum is that all children in Key Stages 1 and 2 participate in SIL (School Improvement Liverpool) cookery classes for a full half-term each year. This hands-on experience in the kitchen allows pupils to apply design, planning, and measurement skills in a real-world setting, while also learning about nutrition, food safety, and cultural food practices. These cookery sessions not only strengthen practical life skills but also connect DT with other curriculum areas like Maths, Science, and Health, reinforcing the interdisciplinary nature of DT learning.

Through this comprehensive approach, our DT curriculum prepares pupils to become thoughtful, resourceful, and creative individuals ready to engage with the designed world around them.

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