At Langdale CE Primary School, we value every child as a natural maker, problem-solver, and imaginative thinker. From their earliest days in EYFS, our children are introduced to the tools, materials, and spaces that position design and technology as a vital and valued part of our school identity. Our intent is to embed design and technology as a subject where creativity meets purpose—where children are encouraged to question how things work, how they are made, and how they might be improved. We aim to empower every pupil to see themselves as an innovator, using their ideas not just for invention but for impact. Through design and technology, our children learn to think critically, plan thoughtfully, and make connections between disciplines such as science, computing and art.

This intent is brought to life through a curriculum that evolves with the child, from EYFS through to Year 6. Carefully sequenced and rich in practical experiences, our curriculum ensures children develop key skills and knowledge year on year. In the Early Years, exploration is central—learners handle a range of materials, test mechanisms, and engage in projects that link storytelling with purposeful making, such as constructing a shelter for a storybook character or creating simple machines to solve imagined problems. As children progress, they are challenged to refine their techniques, evaluate and improve their designs, and apply cross-curricular learning to real-world challenges. Each project is underpinned by a strong understanding of design processes—research, planning, making, testing, and evaluating—with adaptations tailored to each learner’s needs. Pupils are encouraged to ask questions, solve problems, and consider how design shapes the world around them.

Our Learning Beyond the Classroom ethos means design and technology breaks free of a classroom’s four walls. Children take part in immersive experiences that bring their learning to life—visiting innovation centres, museums, exhibitions, and meeting designers, engineers, and inventors who offer real-world insight into the creative process. Through hands-on workshops and collaborative challenges, children experience the thrill of turning ideas into prototypes and solutions. They regularly participate in competitions and design projects that encourage ambition, teamwork, and pride in their achievements. Our most recent entry into the If I Were an Engineer competition resulted in one of our Year 6 children taking first prize! The result is a community of confident, capable young designers who are excited by the possibilities of technology and creativity. By the time they leave Langdale, children understand how design and technology can improve lives, solve problems, and inspire a better future—and they are eager to play their part in that journey.