"Good buildings come from good people, and all problems are solved by good design."
Stephen Gardiner
Design Technology
Our Design Technology long term plans ensure a continuous progression of skills and knowledge throughout Gillas Lane. Children know more, remember more and can do more in each of the Design Technology key areas; Structures, Mechanisms & Mechanical Structures, Electrical Systems (KS2), Cooking & Nutrition, Textiles and Digital World (KS2).
Within each key area, the development of the core skills (design, make, evaluate) is detailed to ensure that progression is logical, achievable and builds on what has been taught with an eye to what is to come next.
Here are our long term plans for Design Technology.
Design & Technology Progressive Milestones in Disciplinary Learning
Our Design & Technology Progressive Milestones in Disciplinary Learning contain the disciplinary knowledge needed to understand the disciplinary concepts. Our mid term planning specifies the substantive knowledge the children will learn.
Disciplinary Knowledge - thinking like a designer or an engineer or a manufacturer etc
- investigating
- exploring
- practising
- designing
- making
- evaluating
- improving
Take a look at our Progressive Milestones in Disciplinary Learning:
Substantive Knowledge
- Knowledge of design contexts, e.g. electrical systems, structures, food & nutrition, textiles
- Knowledge of materials, tools and techniques
- Knowledge of specific designers - historical and contemporary
- Knowledge of specific design and production concepts
Take a look at our Substantive Knowledge Map:
The Important of Design Technology in the Early Years
Design and Technology in the early years provides our youngest children with exciting opportunities to explore, create, and problem-solve in a hands-on and meaningful way. At Gillas Lane, we value the role of Design and Technology in helping children develop essential skills that support their learning across the curriculum.
Through practical activities such as building models, experimenting with materials, and designing simple structures, children begin to understand how things work and how they can be improved. These experiences nurture curiosity and encourage our children to think critically and creatively.
Design and Technology also supports the development of fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and early mathematical understanding. Measuring, cutting, joining, and assembling materials help children refine their coordination and learn about shape, size, and proportion.
Working on design projects fosters resilience and independence, as our Gillas children learn to test ideas, adapt their plans, and solve problems. It also promotes collaboration, with children sharing tools, discussing ideas, and working together to bring their creations to life.
Importantly, Design and Technology introduces children to the concept of innovation and the idea that they can shape the world around them. By encouraging exploration and imaginative thinking, we help our children develop confidence in their abilities and a sense of pride in their achievements.
Through our early years curriculum, we aim to make Design and Technology a joyful and inspiring part of every child’s learning journey.
Take a look below to see what Design Technology looks like in Early Years at Gillas Lane, and to see how the skills our children learn in the Early Years support them as they move into Key Stage 1 and beyond.
Design Technology and SEND
At Gillas Lane, we know that Design Teachnology can be particularly beneficial for pupils with SEND due to its hands-on, practical nature. DT allows for the development of crucial skills across the curriculum, including numeracy, literacy, and communication, while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and confidence. Adaptive teaching strategies, such as scaffolding and visual aids further enhance accessibility and ensure that all children can participate and succeed.
