Design & Technology

At Tetherdown, we believe Design and Technology is a practical, creative and inspiring subject that equips children with the knowledge, skills and confidence to become innovative problem-solvers. Through the study of Design and Technology, pupils develop their ability to investigate, design, make and evaluate products that respond to real-life needs and challenges. 

We aim to foster creativity, resilience and independence by encouraging children to take risks, learn from mistakes and refine their ideas throughout the design process. By making meaningful links to the wider world, children develop an understanding of how designers, engineers, architects, chefs and inventors shape the products and environments around us. 

Our curriculum enables pupils to draw upon learning from a range of subjects, including science, mathematics, computing and art, whilst developing practical skills that prepare them for the future. We ensure that Design and Technology is accessible and inclusive for all pupils, providing appropriate support and challenge so that every child can participate fully and succeed. We want every child to leave Tetherdown with an appreciation of how design can improve everyday life and the confidence to create purposeful solutions to real-world problems.

At Tetherdown, we follow the CUSP Design and Technology curriculum, which provides a carefully sequenced progression of knowledge and skills from Reception to Year 6. 

Across the year, each year group studies three Design and Technology units, with each unit focusing on a different aspect of the subject. This ensures that children experience a broad and balanced curriculum, including areas such as structures, mechanisms, textiles and food and nutrition. One of the three units is always a dedicated Food and Nutrition project, where children develop their understanding of healthy eating, balanced meals and food preparation skills. 

As children progress through the school, they revisit and build upon previously taught knowledge and skills, enabling them to develop increasing confidence, independence and technical expertise. This carefully sequenced approach allows pupils to experience a wide range of Design and Technology disciplines while making meaningful connections between past and current learning. 

Each unit follows the design cycle, providing opportunities for children to investigate, design, make and evaluate products in response to real-world contexts and purposeful design challenges. Children develop technical knowledge and practical skills before applying their learning to create a meaningful final product. Throughout the process, they are encouraged to think critically, solve problems creatively and evaluate their ideas, helping them understand that good design is developed through reflection and refinement.

Design and Technology at Tetherdown is hands-on, purposeful and engaging. Children work through the design cycle as designers and makers, drawing on prior learning to develop innovative solutions to meaningful challenges. 

Across the school, pupils investigate products, practise and refine technical skills, generate and communicate ideas, create high-quality final outcomes and evaluate their effectiveness. Learning is rooted in real-world contexts, helping children understand how design impacts the world around them and making meaningful links to other curriculum subjects. 

Classrooms are filled with discussion, experimentation and creativity. Children confidently use tools, materials and techniques while developing resilience through testing, adapting and improving their work. They learn to see mistakes as valuable opportunities for learning and improvement. 

Finished products demonstrate not only technical knowledge and practical skill, but also thoughtful design, problem-solving and pride in achievement. By the time they leave Tetherdown, children have developed the confidence, creativity and technical understanding needed to approach challenges with curiosity, determination and an innovative mindset, preparing them for the opportunities of an ever-changing world.