Design & Technology
Intent
At Freshsteps Independent School, the Design and Technology curriculum is designed to provide an engaging, inclusive, and stimulating environment for pupils of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. We aim to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum with a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on experiences that develop creativity, independence, and resilience.
Our intent is to equip pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to thrive in modern Britain. Through the exploration of past, present, and future design movements—including areas such as Art Deco—students develop an understanding of how design reflects cultural, social, and technological change over time. This supports their appreciation of diversity, innovation, and the evolution of ideas.
British Values are embedded throughout the curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to demonstrate mutual respect and tolerance through collaborative projects, take individual responsibility for their work and safety, and contribute positively within group settings. Opportunities to make choices within design tasks promote individual liberty, while structured processes and workshop expectations reinforce the importance of rules and safety.
A key focus of the curriculum is preparing pupils for independent living. Students develop practical life skills such as basic carpentry, the safe use of tools and machinery, sewing, crochet, and designing and making their own products and clothing. These skills support self-sufficiency and open pathways to further education, employment, and entrepreneurship. Pupils are also introduced to business concepts, demonstrated through participation in enterprise activities, including successfully winning a Dragon’s Den-style competition with their “Randomizer” product against five mainstream schools.
Inclusivity is central to our approach. All pupils, regardless of gender, are encouraged to engage in all aspects of Design and Technology, including textiles and practical construction skills.
Implementation
Design and Technology at Freshsteps is delivered through a carefully sequenced curriculum that builds knowledge, technical skills, and independence over time. Projects are designed to develop specific competencies while remaining flexible, allowing pupils to take ownership of their learning and express creativity.
Pupils engage in a wide range of practical and theoretical activities, including:
• Carpentry and workshop skills, developing competence in using tools and machinery safely and effectively
• Textiles, including sewing and crochet, enabling students to create functional and creative products
• Graphic design, supporting digital creativity and communication
• Product design and analysis, exploring how and why products are made
• Design history, examining influences such as Art Deco alongside contemporary and future design trends
• Entrepreneurial projects, where students design, create, and present innovative ideas
For example:
• Year 7 students develop foundational workshop skills, learning to use tools responsibly while following health and safety procedures, including wearing appropriate protective equipment.
• Year 10 students build on this knowledge through primary research and product analysis, such as their storage box project, considering user needs and functionality in greater depth.
A significant strength of the curriculum is its collaborative and cross-curricular opportunities. Pupils from all year groups contribute to whole-school projects, including designing and creating stage sets, props, and costumes for performances. This was demonstrated through the Jungle Book Christmas production, where students worked collectively to produce high-quality outcomes.
The curriculum also supports Spiritual, Moral, Social, and Cultural (SMSC) development. Activities such as designing and creating Diwali pop-up cards promote cultural awareness, creativity, and respect for different traditions.
Impact
The impact of the Design and Technology curriculum at Freshsteps is reflected in pupils who are confident, capable, and prepared for life in modern Britain.
Pupils:
• Develop a wide range of practical skills, including carpentry, textiles, and design, supporting independence and self-sufficiency
• Demonstrate the ability to use tools and equipment safely and responsibly
• Show creativity, problem-solving skills, and resilience when designing and making products
• Gain an understanding of design across different time periods, including past, present, and future influences
• Apply British Values through teamwork, respect, responsibility, and decision-making
• Build confidence in both independent and collaborative work
• Develop entrepreneurial skills and real-world application of learning
Students take pride in their work, particularly in large-scale projects such as school productions, where their contributions to set design, props, and costumes are showcased. Their success in external competitions highlights their ability to apply their learning in meaningful and competitive contexts.
Ultimately, pupils leave Freshsteps with practical, transferable skills and the confidence to lead more independent lives. They are well-prepared for further education, employment, and active participation in modern British society.
