Design and Technology

Design and Technology Intent

At Over St John’s, our Design and Technology (DT) curriculum is intentionally shaped by our theologically rooted Christian vision: “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16).

Design and Technology at Over St John’s is rooted in the school’s Christian vision, inspired by Jesus’ words: “Let your light shine before others” (Matthew 5:16). This vision shapes how we view creativity, problem‑solving and learning through making, and underpins our belief that every child has something valuable to contribute to the world.

We understand children to be uniquely created by God, each with gifts, potential and the capacity to shape and improve the world around them. Within a context of significant deprivation, our DT curriculum provides meaningful opportunities for pupils — particularly those who are vulnerable or disadvantaged — to experience success, develop confidence and acquire skills that have relevance beyond the classroom.

The theology of Matthew 5:16 is lived out in DT through purposeful design. Pupils are encouraged to explore ideas, generate solutions and create tangible outcomes, helping them to recognise their own capability and agency. Designing and making for real purposes enables children to see how their thinking and effort can benefit others, reinforcing a sense of worth, responsibility and service.

Through the design–make–evaluate process, DT nurtures resilience, reflection and independence. Children are supported to take risks, respond constructively to challenges and learn from what does not work as planned. This process develops perseverance and hope, helping pupils understand that growth often comes through trial, refinement and sustained effort.

Opportunities for spiritual development emerge naturally within DT. Pupils experience wonder as ideas become physical realities, reflect thoughtfully on the effectiveness and impact of their designs, and consider how materials and products should be used responsibly. Working collaboratively strengthens relationships and community, while evaluation encourages pupils to think ethically about need, sustainability and care for others.

The DT curriculum is carefully sequenced and ambitious, ensuring progression in knowledge, skills and technical understanding from EYFS to Year 6. Inclusive practice is central: adaptations, explicit teaching, scaffolded tasks and appropriate resources ensure that all pupils — including those with SEND — access high‑quality learning and experience success with dignity.

Design and Technology at Over St John’s is therefore more than a practical subject. It is a curriculum through which pupils grow in confidence, recognise their God‑given creativity and learn to use their skills thoughtfully and purposefully. In doing so, DT enables children to flourish and to let their light shine within school and into their future lives.

Our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to meet the content requirements of the National Curriculum.

Within our school, Reception and Key Stage One children are taught in single age classes, whereas Key Stage Two children are taught across three mixed year group classes and our curriculum is designed to reflect this.

Please click on the links below to access our current DT Subject Map and the DT Progression of Skills and Knowledge document. 

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