Design & Technology

Subject Statement

Design and Technology (D&T) is about more than just making things—it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and preparing pupils for a rapidly changing world. Through hands-on, practical experiences, our pupils learn to design, prototype, and evaluate products that have real-world applications. Research shows that engaging in design thinking from an early age fosters resilience, innovation, and collaboration (Lucas, Claxton & Spencer, 2013). At Sikh Heritage Girls School, we empower our girls to think critically, take risks, and develop the skills they need to shape the world around them.

Our Intent

How can we prepare young minds to be the inventors, engineers, and problem-solvers of the future? At Sikh Heritage Girls School, Design and Technology is a fundamental part of our curriculum, equipping pupils with the knowledge and skills to become confident creators. We aim to:

  • Develop curiosity about how things work and inspire pupils to design and make purposeful products.

  • Teach pupils how to evaluate and improve their designs using real-world considerations such as functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics.

  • Instill resilience and perseverance by encouraging pupils to test, modify, and refine their ideas.

  • Foster collaboration by working in teams to solve problems and create products that meet specific needs.

  • Celebrate British values such as individual liberty (freedom to design creatively) and democracy (collaborative decision-making in projects).

  • Embed our school’s values of effort and perseverance, ensuring that pupils take pride in their work and learn from their mistakes.

Our Implementation

Our enquiry-based approach ensures that learning in D&T is engaging, purposeful, and progressive. We use the National Curriculum, supported by Cornerstones Curriculum, to develop skills systematically across year groups. Pupils will explore different strands of D&T, including:

  • Structures and Mechanisms – Investigating levers, pulleys, and axles to understand how movement can be controlled.

  • Textiles – Designing and making fabric-based products while learning essential sewing and joining techniques.

  • Materials and Construction – Exploring how materials such as wood, metal, and plastics can be shaped, joined, and strengthened.

  • Electrical Systems – Understanding circuits and using simple programming to control lights, motors, or buzzers.

  • Cooking and Nutrition – Learning about healthy eating while preparing and cooking simple dishes. The girls take part in weekly cooking sessions, where they follow recipes using real utensils and equipment. 

Ensuring Equity and Challenge:

  • We provide pre-teaching and scaffolding for pupils who need additional support, ensuring that all children can participate confidently in practical tasks.

  • More able pupils are challenged with open-ended projects that require deeper thinking, such as designing a bridge that can support weight or developing an innovative packaging solution.

Learning Outside the Classroom:

  • Pupils visit sites such as local bakeries, engineering firms, or museums to see D&T principles in real-world settings.

  • STEM workshops and guest speakers (including female engineers and designers) provide real-world context and inspiration.

SMSC and British Values:

  • Pupils learn about the ethical impact of design choices, such as sustainability and fair trade.

  • Collaborative projects teach responsibility, respect, and teamwork, reinforcing British values in a meaningful way.

The Impact

How do we know that our pupils are developing into confident designers and makers? By the time they leave Sikh Heritage Girls School, our pupils will:

  • Have a strong understanding of design processes and be able to think critically about how products are created and improved.

  • Be able to work both independently and collaboratively to design, create, and evaluate their own projects.

  • Show resilience when solving design challenges and be confident in testing and refining their work.

  • Be inspired to consider future careers in engineering, architecture, fashion, food technology, or product design.

At Sikh Heritage Girls School, we believe that every girl is “Born to Love, Live to Do.” Our D&T curriculum ensures that our pupils develop the skills, confidence, and creativity to turn their ideas into reality, shaping a future where they are not just consumers but creators.

Reference: Lucas, B., Claxton, G., & Spencer, E. (2013). "Progression in student creativity in school: First steps towards new forms of formative assessments." OECD Education Working Papers.