At Uplands Junior L.E.A.D Academy, Design and Technology is delivered as an inspiring and practical subject that ignites curiosity and imagination. We provide hands-on experiences where children turn ideas into reality, developing technical skills and creative thinking along the way. Through purposeful projects and strong cross-curricular links, children learn to design, make and evaluate products. Our approach fosters creativity, resilience and problem-solving, helping every child to grow in confidence. As they progress through the school, children build on prior learning to tackle more complex challenges, experimenting with prototypes, exploring a range of materials and applying innovative solutions. They learn to take creative risks, reflect on outcomes and refine their work, equipping them with adaptable skills for the future.
Our Design and Technology curriculum is delivered through four engaging units: Textiles, Electronics, Structures and Food. Each unit offers children the chance to explore, create, and problem-solve in practical ways, whether they are sewing, building circuits, constructing models, or preparing delicious dishes.
The Food unit enables children to explore nutrition and food origins while learning how to adapt recipes in creative ways. Through engaging cooking activities, children are introduced to essential skills in food preparation and hygiene, building both their confidence and understanding in the kitchen. As they move through the school, children explore a variety of dishes, learn to adapt recipes and discover the cultural context of foods. Collaborative sessions encourage teamwork and presentation, while also guiding children to evaluate their creations for taste, nutrition, and creativity. By the end of their journey, children are confident in preparing and assessing dishes, appreciating both the cultural and practical significance of food.
The Electronics unit immerses children in the world of circuits, robotics and digital design. Children begin by exploring the basics of electrical systems and simple components, learning how circuits power everyday products. Through hands-on activities, they experiment with building and modifying robots and gradually use computer-aided design tools to create and refine 3D models. As they progress through the school, children tackle more advanced projects, deepening their understanding of technology and innovation. Throughout their journey, they learn about real-life inventors, develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, and build the confidence to bring their own technological ideas to life.
The children in Year 3 explored the concept of forces, focusing on how magnetic forces work to push and pull objects. They learned about attraction and repulsion between magnets and discussed how these forces are used in real-world applications, such as helping trains stay on their tracks through magnetic levitation. The children also learned about Eric Laithwaite, an important figure in science, who invented magnetic levitation technology. This understanding forms the foundation for their upcoming project, where they will design and build a car powered by magnetic force.
The Textiles unit empowers children to develop practical sewing skills and creative confidence by exploring a variety of products and mastering different stitches. Starting with basic techniques and simple projects like making bags. Children learn to measure, cut and join fabrics using a running stitch. As they progress through the school, they tackle more complex design challenges, such as creating Greek-inspired sandals, building independence and technical ability. Throughout their journey, children learn to design for specific users, select appropriate materials and evaluate their creations for function, comfort and durability.
The Structures unit enables children to discover what makes buildings and objects strong and stable by exploring famous designs from history and building models such as Anderson shelters. Children begin by investigating simple materials and techniques, learning to plan and test for strength and water resistance. As they progress through the school, they tackle more complex construction challenges and refine their designs based on feedback. Throughout their journey, children are able to confidently plan and build a variety of structures using diverse materials and methods whilst also developing practical skills and creativity.
