We expect pupils to develop a deep and practical understanding of the world of Design and Technology. Our aim is to nurture creative, confident problem-solvers who can think critically, take risks and design with purpose. 

Pupils explore real-world challenges, understand user needs and develop functional, appealing products. Our curriculum fosters curiosity, collaboration and resilience - equipping pupils with life-long skills for an increasingly technological world.

Our Design and Technology curriculum follows a spiral model, taught over a two-year cycle to ensure that key areas - textiles, structures, mechanical systems, electrical systems and food technology are revisited and built upon with increasing complexity. Each unit includes the full design, make and evaluative process, guided by a clear design brief so pupils understand what they are creating, who it is for and why it matters. From Early Years to Year 6, pupils build progressively from exploring tools and materials to designing complex systems like pulleys, circuits and textiles. Cross-curricular links and enrichment, including secondary partnerships, deepen their learning. By the end of Year 6, pupils leave St John’s with the skills, vocabulary and confidence to reflect, create and problem-solve, well-prepared for secondary school and life in a design-driven world.

The impact of our curriculum is assessed through a range of strategies, including pupil voice, observations, design outcomes, verbal feedback, book scrutiny and summative assessment. Teachers use ongoing assessment and questioning to understand how pupils are thinking, even if the final product doesn’t fully reflect the process. This ensures that all learners are supported to make meaningful progress, with their development clearly evidenced across all phases.