Design Technology at Co-op Academy Medlock

'Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.'

 Steve Jobs

Intent 

Intent

Design and Technology is an integral part of the broad and balanced curriculum at Co-op Academy Medlock. We believe all children should have opportunities to use their creativity and imagination to solve real and relevant problems, applying their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Through this, pupils begin to recognise themselves as enterprising, innovative citizens who can shape and improve their environments.

Our curriculum enables pupils to learn about a range of disciplines such as engineering, structures, mechanisms, food technology and the evolution of design. It follows the guidance of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and the National Curriculum Programmes of Study, ensuring progression from the earliest stage of education to Year 6.

We recognise and celebrate the diversity of our school community, and this is reflected throughout our Design and Technology curriculum. Pupils learn about designers, inventors and inventions from different cultures, time periods and contexts but also see themselves represented in what they study. Children are encouraged to understand how risk-taking, creativity and ingenuity have led to solutions that improve everyday life.

Implementation

Design and Technology is taught by class teachers and supported by the subject lead.

In the Early Years, pupils develop foundational skills through a holistic approach to Creating with Materials. They engage in both adult-led and child-initiated opportunities in the environment that promote exploration, experimentation and refinement of fine and gross motor skills. Technical vocabulary is introduced during focused activities, where pupils explore specific techniques and resources. This is complemented by guided Design and Technology ‘projects’ linked to wider themes, preparing pupils for future learning in structures, mechanisms and food technology.

From Years 1 to 6, pupils follow progressive medium-term plans written by the subject lead. Learning builds year on year, allowing pupils to revisit and deepen their understanding. They develop practical knowledge of how to design, make and evaluate quality prototypes and products, using appropriate tools and techniques with increasing accuracy and independence. Units support cross-curricular links, particularly with humanities, science and maths, enabling pupils to transfer and apply knowledge with purpose.

Each unit follows a consistent cycle to support the development of substantive and disciplinary knowledge. Pupils begin by researching and evaluating existing products before designing their own solutions. Over time, they encounter a broad range of materials and processes, including structures, electronics, textiles, food and mechanisms.

Critical thinking and evaluation are central to the subject. At the end of each lesson, pupils reflect on their own work, as well as that of their peers and significant designers and makers. Evaluation may take place through discussion or annotated reflections in scrapbooks. Final products are photographed and added to scrapbooks as part of a developing portfolio.

Vocabulary and reading are carefully embedded. Key terminology is explicitly introduced at the start of each lesson and reinforced throughout. Pupils also access high-quality texts linked to design, invention and engineering, including poetry and non-fiction, ensuring language development remains a key priority.

In EYFS learning is captured on display and through class floorbooks. Children from Year 1 onwards record their thinking, designs and evaluations in individual scrapbooks. These move with the children through school, allowing both pupils and teachers to reference prior learning and see progression over time.

We make full use of our central Manchester location, drawing on the rich cultural and industrial heritage around us. Pupils visit museums, galleries and local institutions such as universities to broaden their understanding of real-world design and innovation.

 

Impact 

Teachers use progression documents and examples of pupils’ work to assess learning across each unit. Summative judgements are made at the end of the year and moderated alongside the subject lead and teaching colleagues to ensure consistency and accuracy.

Because Design and Technology is closely connected to the wider curriculum, pupils see meaningful purpose in their learning. The knowledge and skills developed are transferable to other subjects, including science, maths, history and geography.

Pupils at Co-op Academy Medlock engage positively with Design and Technology, make good progress and produce work of a high standard. They leave us equipped with creativity, resilience and the confidence to solve problems in an ever-changing world.