Design and Technology Subject Statement

 

Perseverance  – we aspire to develop resilient designers and makers who understand that designing and creating products often requires testing, adapting and improving ideas. Children are encouraged to persevere when prototypes do not work as expected and to view mistakes as opportunities for learning.

Ambition – in design and technology, we celebrate creativity, innovation and practical thinking. Through engaging and purposeful projects, children develop ambitious ideas, see themselves as capable designers, engineers and problem-solvers and learn how design and technology can improve everyday life.

Curiosity – we nurture inquisitive learners who question how products are designed, made and used. Children are encouraged to explore materials, mechanisms, structures and food preparation while investigating how and why products work. By studying existing products and designers, children develop curiosity about how design influences the world around them.

Kindness – we are committed to teaching design and technology in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. Children are encouraged to work collaboratively, share ideas respectfully and support one another during practical tasks.

 

Curriculum Intent

The Design and Technology curriculum at St John’s is designed to inspire children to become creative thinkers and practical problem-solvers. Through the Kapow Primary scheme of work, children develop the knowledge and skills needed to design, make and evaluate purposeful products, in line with the expectations of the National Curriculum. Safety and responsibility are central to the curriculum, particularly when using tools, equipment and food preparation techniques.

Our curriculum is structured to ensure clear progression of knowledge and skills from Foundation Stage through to Year 6. Children develop both substantive knowledge, such as understanding materials, mechanisms, structures and food technology, and disciplinary knowledge, including designing, making, testing and evaluating products. Children also learn key technical skills such as measuring, cutting, joining and constructing using a range of materials and tools.

Learning is carefully sequenced so that children build upon previous experiences while revisiting and strengthening key concepts over time. Children explore how design and technology is used in everyday life and consider the needs of users when designing their own products. Through evaluating existing products and reflecting on their own work, children develop critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the design process.

Our curriculum is both accessible and ambitious. It supports teachers in delivering engaging, practical learning experiences while ensuring that all children, regardless of their starting points, can develop confidence and success in designing and making.

 

Curriculum Implementation

Design and Technology is taught through the structured Kapow Primary scheme of work, which provides carefully sequenced units that develop children’ knowledge and practical skills over time. Each unit follows the design process of designing, making and evaluating, enabling children to explore real-life problems and develop purposeful solutions.

Lessons include opportunities to revisit prior knowledge, investigate existing products, develop and communicate ideas, and create practical outcomes using a range of materials and tools. Children explore key areas of design and technology including mechanisms, structures, textiles, electrical systems and cooking and nutrition, ensuring broad and balanced coverage of the National Curriculum.

Adaptive teaching is embedded throughout the curriculum. Kapow lessons include guidance to support scaffolding, provide appropriate challenge and reduce cognitive load where necessary. Teachers model techniques and provide clear demonstrations to support children in developing practical skills safely and effectively. Structured tasks and collaborative learning opportunities ensure that all children, including those with SEND, can participate fully and develop confidence in their abilities.

Formative assessment is integrated throughout lessons. Teachers use questioning, observation of practical work, discussion and evaluation of completed products to assess understanding and adapt teaching accordingly. Opportunities for reflection encourage children to evaluate their work, consider the effectiveness of their designs and identify improvements.

Within each year group, our children complete purposeful design projects that showcase the knowledge and skills they have developed across units. These opportunities allow children to apply their learning in practical contexts while revisiting key skills and celebrating their achievements as designers and makers.

 

Curriculum Impact

The impact of our Design and Technology curriculum is measured through ongoing formative assessment, review of design work and completed products, and careful monitoring of pupil progress over time. Teachers assess learning through observation of practical skills, evaluation of design processes and discussions with children about their ideas and improvements.

As a result of this implementation, we believe that children will develop secure knowledge of materials, structures, mechanisms and food technology, demonstrate creativity and confidence in designing and making products, apply practical skills safely and effectively, evaluate and improve their work thoughtfully, and see themselves as capable, innovative and ambitious designers and makers.