“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
Steve Jobs
Design and Technology is an inspiring, rigorous, and practical subject, which allows children to develop their creative, imaginative, and problem-solving skills. Since DT is an intricate part of our day to day lives, it is important that our children are taught how this subject is of great importance in our rapidly changing world.
All children, including EYFS, are therefore given opportunities to research, design, communicate, make and evaluate a range of products that solve real and relevant problems in a variety of contexts. Cross- curricular links are made during our DT lessons as children are required to draw on their knowledge from Maths, Computing, Science and Art.
Through the study of design and technology, children combine practical skills with an understanding of aesthetic, social and environmental issues, as well as functional and industrial practices, such as how to be an engineer.
Through the evaluation of past and present designs, they understand the contribution that high-quality design and technology has on our world today. Design and technology gives the children the opportunity to work and think both as individuals and as part of a team. Together, they learn how to take risks, become resourceful and have the confidence for innovation; all of which supports our curriculum drivers.
What’s happening in Design and Technology at Simonside?
Autumn 2025
This half term, the whole school has been actively involved in exciting Design and Technology projects, with each year group exploring different aspects of the subject. Pupils in year 1-4 have been learning about structures, with KS1 focusing on building a chair for baby bear, and years 3 and 4 exploring making pavilions, which they have linked to their history theme- The Romans. Years 5 and 6 have been focused on textiles, with year 5 creating waistcoats for a teddy bear, and year 6 have created sustainable bags. Across the school, the children have shown great enthusiasm, creativity and progress as they developed practical skills through hands-on learning.
They also completed tasks related to careers in the area they have explored.
Making sure all of the legs are secure.
Testing the strength of Baby Bear’s new chair.
A Roman pavillion
Cylinders were the best shape for the legs on Baby Bear’s chair.
A Roman pavillion.
Year 6 developed their running, cross and looping stitch.
Year 6 made bags from unwanted T-Shirts.
Useful Websites
If your child is showing enthusiasm for Design and Technology at home, here are some websites you could explore.
