"Design and Technology equips children with the skills to think creatively and problem-solve, empowering them to shape the world around them through innovation and practical application." —

National Curriculum for Design and Technology, Department for Education (DfE)

Intent

At Wessex Gardens Primary School, our design and technology curriculum is intended to prepare children for the rapidly evolving world by fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. We aim to inspire pupils to use their imagination and creativity to design, make, and evaluate a variety of products, while drawing on their knowledge of mathematics, science, computing, and art. Through design and technology, we aim to empower pupils to develop essential life skills, such as cooking, understanding nutrition, and applying their problem-solving abilities in real-world contexts.

Our goal is for children to become creative, independent thinkers, who are confident in using both their practical and cognitive skills to tackle challenges, whether individually or as part of a team.

Implementation

At Wessex Gardens Primary, we follow the Kapow Primary scheme of work for design and technology, ensuring full coverage of the National Curriculum requirements while promoting progression and skill development across the key stages. While the Kapow Primary scheme is used, teachers are encouraged to plan their own lessons to ensure clear progression and the best learning outcomes for students.

Pupils will engage with a range of activities within the three principal areas of design and technology:

1. Investigative, Disassembly, and Evaluative Activities
2. Focused Practical Tasks
3. Design and Make Assignments

The curriculum focuses on a variety of key areas, including:

• Mechanisms
• Electrical systems
• Cooking and nutrition
• Textiles
• The digital world

These core areas allow students to explore, create, and problem-solve through hands-on projects. Each unit includes visual aids and instructional materials to support both the teaching of specific skills and techniques, as well as pupils' independent learning. By focusing on developing a range of practical skills, children will learn to design and make products that are functional, innovative, and creatively inspired.

Teachers are supported through Kapow Primary's structured resources, which include clear progression frameworks that help to meet National Curriculum attainment targets. This ensures pupils are exposed to progressively complex tasks and concepts, giving them a strong foundation in design and technology by the end of Key Stage 2.

Impact

The expected impact of the design and technology curriculum at Wessex Gardens Primary is that, by the end of primary school, pupils will be equipped with a broad range of practical skills and the confidence to tackle creative challenges. Our aim is for pupils to:

• Understand the Purpose of Design and Making: Pupils will comprehend how and why design and technology are used in the real world and how to approach making and problem-solving.
• Develop Imaginative Thinking: Pupils will become creative thinkers, able to imagine, plan, and build their ideas into tangible, functioning outcomes.
• Model Ideas and Understand Mechanics: Pupils will be able to articulate the mechanics of the objects or products they design, demonstrating both understanding and innovation.
• Enhance Problem-Solving Skills: Pupils will refine their ability to identify problems and think critically to develop solutions through design and practical work.
• Develop, Refine, and Apply Skills: Pupils will acquire and apply the techniques needed to create functional and aesthetic products, refining their skills over time.
• Critically Evaluate Work: Pupils will be able to evaluate both their own and others' work critically, reflecting on improvements and successes.

By following this curriculum, pupils will leave primary school with a solid foundation in design and technology, preparing them to confidently progress into Key Stage 3 and beyond, where they can further develop their skills and pursue more complex challenges in design and technological fields.