The Design and Technology leader is Mrs Firkins.

At Pirehill First School, we follow the Kapow scheme of work for Design and technology.

Kapow Primary’s Design and technology scheme of work aims to inspire pupils to become curious, creative and innovative thinkers with a broad understanding of how products are designed and made, in other words, to think like designers and engineers. The intention is for pupils to develop the confidence to identify problems, generate ideas, plan and create products and evaluate their outcomes.

The scheme aims to raise pupils’ awareness of how design and technology shape the way they live, work and interact with the world. It encourages pupils to become resourceful, enterprising individuals who have the skills to contribute to and improve the world around them.

The scheme supports teachers in developing their subject knowledge and skills, enabling the delivery of engaging, well-informed lessons with confidence. The curriculum is designed to be both accessible and ambitious, ensuring all learners’ full participation and potential achievement.

National Curriculum Expectations

Kapow Primary's Design and Technology Scheme of Work

The Kapow Primary D&T scheme of work fulfils the statutory requirements outlined in the National curriculum (2014).

The D&T schemes of work are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect the latest educational research and global developments. The curriculum reflects current thinking in D&T education by drawing on insights from curriculum research, cognitive science and developments in subject-specific pedagogy.

While it is not tied to any single framework, the scheme is informed by best practices around sequencing, progression and meaningful context. This ensures that pupils build secure, connected knowledge and develop an authentic understanding of design and its accompanying technical knowledge.

National Curriculum Purpose of Study

Kapow Primary’s Design and technology curriculum is designed to inspire creativity, practical problem-solving and critical thinking by engaging pupils in designing and making products that solve real and relevant problems in a variety of contexts. Through a carefully structured spiral curriculum, pupils develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to participate confidently in an increasingly technological world.

The curriculum builds pupils’ knowledge of structures, mechanisms, electrical systems and textiles, while embedding collaboration, resilience and evaluation skills. Cooking and nutrition units give pupils essential life skills and an understanding of healthy living.

As pupils progress, they apply their knowledge and skills with increasing independence, following the design, make and evaluate process to create functional, purposeful and innovative products that reflect their ideas and meet the needs of specific users.

National Curriculum Aims

Kapow Primary’s Design and technology curriculum is structured to meet the aims of the National curriculum by developing pupils’ capability across the following key strands:

Design – generating, developing and communicating ideas through research, annotated sketches, diagrams and prototypes tailored to the needs of specific users.

Make – selecting and using tools, materials and techniques with increasing accuracy and independence to produce high-quality products.

Evaluate – critiquing, testing and refining ideas and final outcomes based on design criteria and user feedback.

Technical knowledge – understanding the mechanical, structural, electrical and digital systems that underpin product functionality, alongside knowledge of materials and components.

To deliver these strands in a coherent and progressive way, the curriculum is organised into the following key areas:

Structures – understanding how to reinforce, stabilise and assemble objects, from simple junk modelling to complex frameworks like bridges.

Mechanisms and mechanical systems – exploring movement through simple mechanisms, such as sliders, levers, cams, gears and pulleys.

Textiles – developing joining, stitching and decorative skills to create purposeful fabric-based products.

Electrical systems (KS2 only) – designing and making products that use electrical circuits, switches, motors and sensors.

Digital world (KS2 only) – applying computing knowledge to control and monitor products, and using CAD tools to design for specific needs.

Cooking and nutrition – understanding where food comes from and developing the skills to prepare, cook and evaluate healthy dishes.

Each unit is drawn from one of the key areas, forming part of a carefully sequenced spiral curriculum. Pupils revisit the key areas each year, deepening their knowledge and refining their skills to create increasingly functional, innovative and meaningful products.

All lessons include links to the appropriate National curriculum statements.

EYFS (Reception)

Kapow Primary’s D&T content for EYFS is designed to align with the EYFS Statutory Framework. While Design and technology is not a discrete subject in the EYFS Framework, the activities support practitioners in introducing key concepts such as planning, selecting materials, constructing and evaluating through child-led exploration, play and adult-guided tasks.

Although there are no specific Early Learning Goals for D&T, Kapow Primary’s EYFS units lay the foundations for future learning by developing children’s fine motor skills, creativity and confidence in using tools and materials for a purpose.

The component knowledge and skills are mapped across the six key areas: Structures, Mechanisms, Textiles, Electrical systems, Digital world, and Cooking and nutrition. This ensures a cohesive and developmentally appropriate pathway from EYFS to Year 4.