Curriculum Spotlight: Design Technology
Design Technology (DT) at Thatto Heath Community Primary School encourages pupils to explore their creativity while developing vital problem-solving, practical, and technical skills. Led by Mr. D. Bonney and Mrs. L. Marshall, the DT curriculum is designed to inspire pupils to think critically and innovatively, helping them understand the world around them and how things are made.
Curriculum Overview
Our DT curriculum provides a hands-on approach to learning, combining theory with practical experiences. Across each year group, pupils work on a variety of exciting projects that focus on designing, making and evaluating products, developing both their understanding of materials and their ability to work safely with tools.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 & 2)
Pupils explore basic design skills by creating simple products. They learn to use a range of materials, including fabric, wood, and plastic, and are introduced to basic tools and techniques.

Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6)
In Key Stage 2, pupils develop more complex designs and refine their skills. They learn about mechanisms, structures, and the properties of materials.

Why Is Design Technology Important?
DT is more than just about making things; it helps pupils to develop important skills that are essential for their future. These include:
- Problem-solving: DT encourages creative thinking and helps pupils learn how to tackle challenges by finding practical solutions.
- Critical thinking: Pupils learn to assess, evaluate, and improve designs, which sharpens their analytical skills.
- Practical skills: Working with different materials and tools provides pupils with valuable hands-on experiences that are useful both inside and outside the classroom.
Collaboration: Many DT projects require teamwork, teaching pupils to collaborate, communicate, and share ideas effectively.
For more information and useful links see here –
