Design and Technology

Design and Technology at Langdale CE Primary School is taught from EYFS through to Year 6. From the earliest stages, our youngest learners are provided with access to a range of tools and resources, ensuring they understand from the outset that design and technology is embedded in our school’s ethos.

At Langdale, there is a genuine passion for design and technology. Children view it not only as a chance to innovate but also as a means to solve problems, express ideas, and work collaboratively. The opportunity to explore, create, and refine ideas evolves alongside the children as they progress from EYFS to UKS2. While every child is working towards the same overarching goals, individual levels of support and challenge ensure that each learner can thrive. Across all year groups, a solid and progressive foundation is built, allowing skills and knowledge to deepen at every stage of their education.

Children are inspired to investigate different materials, mechanisms, structures, and technologies. This hands-on discovery is vital for helping them understand the world, not only through the lens of design and technology but also in relation to science and mathematics. Alongside these activities, storytelling and problem-solving are integrated into learning. For instance, pupils might design and construct a functional shelter for a character in a story or develop a simple machine to solve a fictional problem.

As a core element of Langdale’s curriculum, design and technology is delivered through a Learning Beyond the Classroom approach, which provides meaningful, real-world connections to their learning experiences. We aim to highlight the relevance of design and technology in everyday life by involving industry professionals and specialists. From attending hands-on workshops led by designers to hosting local engineers and inventors for workshops, our students are immersed in the dynamic world of design and innovation.

To nurture their role as future creators and problem-solvers, our pupils regularly participate in design projects and competitions, where they proudly showcase their skills and creativity. These experiences are further enriched through visits to local and national exhibitions, innovation centres, and museums, giving Langdale students the opportunity to see how design and technology shape and improve the world around them. These activities provide lasting inspiration and spark their imagination for what they, too, can achieve.