The Black Country Schools Federation

At The Black Country Schools, we believe Design and Technology (D&T) is a vital subject that nurtures creativity, innovation, and real-world problem-solving. Grounded in the CUSP D&T model, our curriculum enables pupils to develop technical expertise, thoughtful design skills, and confidence in making and evaluating high-quality products.

Our Intent

Through our D&T curriculum, pupils:

• Build technical and practical knowledge
• Design and evaluate purposeful products
• Solve real-world problems creatively and collaboratively
• Develop awareness of sustainability and resourcefulness
• Understand the principles of nutrition and food preparation

We are proud to be working towards the Quality Mark for D&T, and we host the CUSP Food Festival as part of our enrichment programme — giving pupils the chance to explore, cook, and present their culinary work.

D&T in EYFS

In the Early Years, D&T is taught through structured play and continuous provision, developing:

• Fine motor control using tools and construction materials
• Understanding of material properties and design function
• Early food preparation and healthy eating habits
• Experimentation with building, joining, and adapting models

These foundations prepare children for the more formal curriculum in Key Stage 1.

Curriculum Overview

The CUSP D&T curriculum is taught in structured blocks, covering:

• Mechanisms – Levers, pulleys, gears, and moving parts
• Structures – Stability, strength, and construction methods
• Food and Nutrition – Hygiene, preparation, taste, and dietary health
• Textiles – Weaving, joining, and stitching
• Electrical Systems – Circuits, switches, and motors
• Material Properties – Suitability, functionality, and sustainability

Each block builds progressively across year groups, with high expectations and technical precision embedded throughout.

Lesson Structure

Each D&T lesson follows a five-part sequence:

1. Activate Prior Knowledge – Retrieval of previous techniques and key vocabulary
2. Vocabulary and Concept Input – Explicit teaching of technical terms and design principles
3. Design and Modelling – Annotated sketches, plans, and 3D models
4. Making and Testing – Application of skills using tools, materials, and real-life constraints
5. Evaluation and Refinement – Reflection on purpose, performance, and improvement

This ensures pupils move beyond ‘making for the sake of it’ and instead design with intent, precision, and reflection.

Local Curriculum and Real-World Connections

As a Black Country federation, we root D&T in local context. Pupils:

• Explore the region’s industrial heritage: glassmaking, metalwork, and manufacturing
• Study local trades and apply this knowledge to their own product design
• Engage with real designers and engineers to connect classroom learning with professional pathways

This strengthens aspiration and relevance, linking design thinking with the world around them.

Assessment

Assessment in D&T focuses on:

• Sketchbooks and Plans – Clarity, refinement, and progression
• Practical Work – Evidence of accuracy, independence, and resilience
• Discussion and Oracy – Use of technical vocabulary to explain, justify, and evaluate
• Peer and Self-Review – Critical analysis of outcomes and user needs

Progress is tracked across units and phases to ensure knowledge and skill development is secure.

The Impact

By the end of Key Stage 2, pupils are:

• Creative and confident designers
• Fluent in design vocabulary and concepts
• Skilled in using a range of materials and tools
• Resilient problem-solvers
• Technically and nutritionally literate

Our curriculum ensures all pupils are well-prepared for Key Stage 3 and life beyond school.

Further Information

For:

• CUSP D&T long-term overviews
• Enrichment opportunities and partnerships
• Sketchbook exemplars and planning tools

Please contact the CUSP team at cusp@unitysp.co.uk