Design and Technology

Curriculum Intent

Design and Technology is a vital part of our broad, balanced, and relevant curriculum. It equips children with the knowledge, skills, and creativity to thrive in a rapidly changing and increasingly technological world. Through engaging and purposeful learning experiences, we aim to inspire innovation, curiosity, and confidence so that all pupils can design, make, and evaluate with imagination and precision.

We intend for all children to:

  • Develop a critical awareness of the “made” and natural world, considering the environment, different cultures, and historical contexts.

  • Understand the potential of design and technology and gain expertise in the processes of designing and making.

  • Foster curiosity, ingenuity, and imagination through hands-on involvement with ideas, materials, and problem-solving.

  • Recognise how aspects of design and technology influence the forms, functions, and appearance of both the natural and constructed world.

  • Nurture and encourage individual aptitudes, talents, and interests.

  • Build an understanding of the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and aesthetic needs of people, which evolve throughout life.

  • Develop the creative, technical, and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and safely, enabling them to participate successfully in an increasingly technological society.

  • Apply a broad repertoire of knowledge, understanding, and skills to design and make high-quality prototypes and products for a wide range of users.

  • Critique, evaluate, and test their own ideas and products as well as the work of others, refining their outcomes thoughtfully.

  • Understand and apply the principles of nutrition, developing essential life skills by learning how to cook.

Curriculum Impact

  1. High Quality Outcomes

    • The vast majority of children across all year groups are competent in the Design and Technology tasks set for them, with many mastering a broad range of skills.

    • Impact is evidenced through:

      • Teachers’ ongoing DT assessments, monitored and analysed by Subject Leaders.

      • Observations carried out by Subject Leaders and members of the Senior Leadership Team.

      • High-quality finished products, proudly displayed around school or recorded through photographs and portfolios.

  2. Confident, Skilled Learners

    • Pupils leave our school as confident and capable learners, equipped with practical and creative skills.

    • This is frequently recognised and praised by staff in the schools they progress to, who comment on their competence, independence, and enthusiasm for learning.

  3. Preparation for Life Beyond Primary

    • Our pupils are well prepared for life in modern Britain. They apply their skills to real-world contexts and continue to flourish in the next stage of their education.

    • They understand how design and technology impacts daily life and are motivated to engage with an ever-changing technological world.

 
 
 

Curriculum Implementation

Design and Technology (D&T) is a foundation subject in the National Curriculum. At our school, we follow the Kapow scheme of work, which is delivered across all year groups. The scheme ensures full National Curriculum coverage and provides a clear progression of skills and knowledge. Lessons are engaging, knowledge-rich, and structured around project-based learning, with each year group completing a project within a four-week block. D&T blocks are alternated with Art and Design blocks throughout the year.

The subject coordinator provides a long-term planning overview and curriculum map, showing how D&T is taught across the school. A progression map of skills and vocabulary further supports staff in ensuring continuity and development. Class teachers follow the long-term overview, designed collaboratively by the D&T and Art coordinators, and deliver lessons using Kapow’s short-term plans. Teachers are encouraged to adapt these plans where necessary to meet the needs of individuals in their class.

Design and Technology is taught across the following strands:

  • Cooking and Nutrition

  • Textiles

  • Mechanisms

  • Structures

  • Electrical Systems (KS2 only)

 

 

Design and Technology Curriculum Overview

Our Design and Technology curriculum is taught through Kapow Primary, ensuring full coverage and progression across all strands: Structures, Mechanisms, Textiles, Electrical Systems and Cooking & Nutrition. Each year group engages with units that build knowledge, skills, and creativity progressively.

Year 1

  • Cooking & Nutrition: Fruit and Vegetables

  • Mechanisms: Making a Moving Story Book; Wheels and Axles

  • Structures: Constructing a Windmill

  • Textiles: Puppets

Year 2

  • Cooking & Nutrition: A Balanced Diet

  • Mechanisms: Fairground Wheel; Making a Moving Monster

  • Structures: Baby Bear’s Chair

  • Textiles: Textile Pouches

Year 3

  • Textiles: Egyptian Collars – Cross Stitch and Appliqué

  • Electrical Systems: Electric Posters

  • Mechanisms: Pneumatic Toys

  • Structures: Constructing a Castle

  • Cooking & Nutrition: Eating Seasonally

Year 4

  • Electrical Systems: Torches

  • Mechanisms: Slingshot Cars

  • Cooking & Nutrition: Adapting a Recipe

  • Textiles: Fastenings

  • Structures: Pavilions

The Year 4 children also have planned cooking and nutrition sessions through the ‘Adopt a School Programme’.