Design Technology is vital because it develops key skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and critical thinking. It encourages pupils to explore, design, and create through hands-on learning, making ideas tangible and meaningful. Beyond individual skills, it fosters collaboration, communication, and adaptability - essential qualities for thriving in a fast-changing world.

By integrating Design Technology from an early age, we lay a strong foundation for future engagement in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) subjects. This holistic approach helps pupils understand and shape the world around them with confidence and innovation.

Cooking Skills By Key Stage

Cooking Skills Early Years broadly cover:

• Weighing and measuring – measure using spoons
• Cutting skills: use a table knife to cut soft foods eg strawberries
• Mixing: combine small amounts of cold ingredients in bowl, eg fruit salad
• Shaping and assembling: use hands to shape dough in to simple shapes
• Heating: preparing food for cooking eg cakes cases in a bun tray
• Serving and garnishing: spoon cold food on to a plate
• Food safety: take part in simple clearing up tasks eg clearing and cleaning tables
• Recipes and ingredients: recognise familiar foods

Cooking Skills KS1 broadly cover:

• Weighing and measuring – use measuring spoons for liquids, solids and dry ingredients
• Cutting skills: use a serrated knife to cut soft foods eg tomato
• Shaping and assembling: use hands to shape dough in to small ball shapes
• Serving and garnishing: lightly sprinkle garnish on cold food
• Food safety: take part in simple clearing up tasks eg clearing and cleaning tables
• Recipes and ingredients: follow simple recipes instructions eg using picture
   

Cooking Skills lower KS2 broadly cover:

• Weighing and measuring – use digital scales and measuring jugs
• Shaping and assembling: knead and shaping dough into aesthetically pleasing products – eg bread rolls
• Heating: begin to use a toaster and microwave
• Serving and garnishing: begin to understand appropriate portion sizes
• Food safety: know how to get ready to cook
• Recipes and ingredients: recognise and name a broad range of ingredients

Cooking Skills upper KS2 broadly cover:

• Weighing and measuring – accurately use scales and measuring jugs
• Serving and garnishing: are able to plan and serve their own breakfast and a simple balanced cooked meal eg salad
• Food safety: demonstrate good safety practices
• Recipes and ingredients: identify how to change a recipe to improve a dish
• Consumer awareness: are able to use food labels to inform choice