Design & Technology

At Ribbon Academy, we believe Design & Technology empowers children to become innovative thinkers, creative problem-solvers and confident creators.

Design & Technology combines imagination with practical application, enabling children to design products, solve real-world challenges and develop an understanding of how technology, engineering and design influence everyday life.

Through our carefully sequenced curriculum, pupils learn to think critically, take risks, refine ideas and develop solutions that meet the needs of real users. We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy with the confidence to create, innovate and contribute positively to the future.

Our curriculum is designed to progressively develop both:

• Substantive knowledge – the materials, mechanisms, structures, nutrition and design principles children need to know.
• Disciplinary knowledge – how designers, engineers, architects, chefs and inventors research, design, test, evaluate and improve products. 

Knowledge and skills are carefully sequenced from Early Years to Year 6, enabling children to revisit and build upon prior learning whilst developing increasing confidence and independence.

Through a range of practical projects, pupils learn how design can improve lives, solve problems and meet the needs of different users and communities.

At Ribbon Academy, children are taught that successful products rarely emerge from a first attempt.

Each project follows a purposeful design process where pupils are encouraged to:

• Research existing products.
• Identify the needs of users.
• Explore ideas and possible solutions.
• Develop and communicate designs.
• Select appropriate materials and tools.
• Create functional prototypes and products.
• Test, evaluate and refine their work. 

Through this process, children learn resilience, creativity and the importance of responding positively to feedback and evaluation.

All Design & Technology projects are built around key principles that help children understand what makes effective design.

These include:

• User – Who is the product for?
• Purpose – What problem does it solve?
• Functionality – Does it work effectively?
• Design Decisions – Why have particular choices been made?
• Innovation – How could the idea be improved?
• Authenticity – Is the product realistic and meaningful? 

By revisiting these principles throughout their learning, pupils develop a deeper understanding of how successful products are created.

• Mechanical systems.
• Structures.
• Textiles.
• Food and nutrition.
• Electrical systems.
• Product design and innovation. 

As pupils progress through school, they develop increasing expertise in selecting materials, using tools safely and applying technical knowledge to increasingly complex challenges.

Children learn:

• Where food comes from.
• The principles of healthy eating.
• Food preparation techniques.
• Kitchen safety and hygiene.
• How to design and evaluate food products. 

These experiences help pupils develop important life skills whilst promoting healthy and informed choices.

We want pupils to understand that Design & Technology shapes the world around them.

Through studying products, inventions and technological developments, children gain insight into careers and industries such as:

• Engineering.
• Architecture.
• Manufacturing.
• Product Design.
• Food Technology.
• Construction and STEM industries. 

By exploring how products are designed, manufactured and improved, pupils gain a greater appreciation of innovation and its impact on society.

In Nursery and Reception, children begin developing the foundations of design thinking through exploration, construction and imaginative play.

Children are encouraged to:

• Investigate materials.
• Build and create structures.
• Explore mechanisms and movement.
• Solve simple problems.
• Communicate ideas and plans.
• Evaluate and improve their creations.

These early experiences establish the foundations for future learning in Design & Technology.

Our curriculum is enriched through opportunities that bring design and technology to life.

These may include:

• STEM workshops.
• Visits from industry professionals.
• Engineering and architecture projects.
• Educational visits linked to design and manufacturing.
• Practical experiences that showcase real-world applications.

Previous experiences have included links with organisations such as Nissan, STEM providers and local industry partners, helping pupils see the relevance of design thinking beyond school

We believe every child should experience success as a designer and creator.

Practical learning, visual models, collaborative opportunities and carefully planned support ensure all pupils can participate fully and develop confidence in designing, making and evaluating products.

We want every child to leave Ribbon Academy as a designer who:

• Thinks creatively and innovatively.
• Solves problems confidently.
• Understands the design process.
• Can design, make and evaluate products effectively.
• Appreciates the role of technology and engineering in society.
• Is prepared for future learning and an ever-changing world.