Design & Technology
Design & Technology at Tetsworth Primary School
Intent
At Tetsworth Primary School, we deliver an ambitious and inspiring Design & Technology (D&T) curriculum that encourages creativity, curiosity, and innovation in all our pupils. As a mixed-aged school, we teach through a stage-not-age approach, ensuring that learning is tailored to each child’s stage of development so that every pupil can access ambitious content and achieve success.
Our D&T curriculum, taught through the Cornerstones scheme, is carefully aligned with the National Curriculum to ensure clear progression in knowledge and skills. Through creative, hands-on experiences, pupils learn how to design, make, and evaluate products with purpose and precision.
Our intent is to develop children who can think creatively and critically to solve real-world problems. We aim to nurture curiosity and resilience, helping pupils understand the practical and environmental impact of design and technology in the wider world. At Tetsworth, we believe that D&T empowers children to become innovative thinkers, informed creators, and responsible citizens.
Implementation
The implementation of our Design & Technology curriculum at Tetsworth Primary School is practical, engaging, and purposeful. Using the Cornerstones scheme as a foundation, we ensure a well-sequenced and knowledge-rich curriculum that enables pupils to build on prior learning and apply skills in new contexts.
Because we are a mixed-aged school, lessons are structured to allow pupils of different ages to work collaboratively on shared projects, while achieving outcomes appropriate to their developmental stage. This stage-not-age approach ensures all pupils are appropriately challenged and supported.
Pupils experience the full design process — researching, planning, designing, making, testing, and evaluating their creations. They work with a variety of tools, materials, and components, developing practical skills and creative confidence. Cross-curricular links are made with subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Computing, and Art, helping pupils to see how design and technology connects with the wider world.
Teachers promote teamwork, problem-solving, and reflective thinking, encouraging pupils to take risks, learn from mistakes, and continually improve their work. Health and safety are taught as an integral part of the subject, helping pupils to work responsibly and safely in all practical tasks.
Impact
The impact of our Design & Technology curriculum at Tetsworth Primary School is seen in the confidence, creativity, and determination of our pupils. They develop strong practical and problem-solving skills and are able to apply their knowledge with increasing independence and precision.
Our pupils:
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Achieve highly, showing clear progression in design, making, and evaluative skills.
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Think critically and creatively, approaching challenges with curiosity and persistence.
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Understand the real-world relevance of D&T, including sustainability, innovation, and technological advancement.
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Work collaboratively, demonstrating communication, teamwork, and resilience.
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Take pride in their outcomes, showing ambition, originality, and an appreciation of quality design.
Through our stage-not-age approach and the structure provided by the Cornerstones scheme, we ensure that all pupils — regardless of age, background, or ability — experience success in Design & Technology. Pupils leave Tetsworth Primary School with the practical skills, creative confidence, and problem-solving mindset needed to thrive in a rapidly changing technological world.