Design and Technology

Please find our Design and Technology Curriculum Intent, Curriculum Map of topics and progression of skills from the EYFS to Year Six.

At St Thomas More Primary School, we embrace all aspects of creativity. We recognise that these skills can be used in everyday life and gives children the opportunity to explore the world around them. Design and Technology develops children’s skill and knowledge in design, structures, mechanisms, electrical control and a range of materials including food. It encourages children’s creativity and to think about important issues, such as how things work, how they can be fixed, or improved

Intent

We aim 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.

We aim 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 individuals who have the skills to contribute to and improve the world around them. Pupils are taught to draw on a range of disciplines, including mathematics, science and computing, to inform their designs.

Implementation

Design and Technology is taught through a carefully sequenced curriculum that ensures progression in both knowledge and skills across all year groups, using the framework of Kapow. Each unit follows a clear structure, allowing pupils to explore existing products, develop their own ideas, create functional outcomes and evaluate their effectiveness.

Lessons are practical and engaging, giving pupils regular opportunities to work with a range of tools, materials and components. Teachers explicitly model key skills and introduce technical vocabulary, supporting pupils to communicate their ideas clearly. As pupils move through the school, they revisit key concepts and build on prior learning, allowing them to deepen their understanding and apply skills with greater precision.

Learning is often linked to real-life contexts, helping pupils to see the relevance and purpose of their work. Teaching is adapted to meet the needs of all learners, ensuring that every child can access the curriculum while also providing opportunities for challenge and creativity.

Assessment is ongoing throughout each unit, with teachers using questioning, observation and outcomes to inform next steps in learning.

Impact

As a result of this approach, pupils develop a secure understanding of the design process and are able to apply it with increasing independence. They become confident in generating ideas, selecting appropriate tools and materials, and evaluating their work. Pupils demonstrate creativity, resilience and pride in their outcomes, producing work that reflects

both their technical knowledge and their ability to solve problems. They are able to use subject-specific vocabulary accurately and can discuss their learning with clarity.

Over time, children build a strong foundation of skills and knowledge that prepares them for the next stage of their education. They leave primary school as capable and reflective learners who can approach design challenges with confidence and curiosity.

Please find our Design and Technology Curriculum Intent, Curriculum Map of topics and progression of skills from the EYFS to Year Six.

Design and Technology Progression Map.pdf National Curriculum - Design and technology.pdf STM_Curriculum_Map__Design_and_Technology.pdf

St. Thomas More Catholic Primary School

Design and Technology

Intent

Implementation

Impact

All Saints Catholic Academy Trust (ASCAT)