Design Technology

“Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.”
Steve Jobs

At Cavendish Church of England Primary School, we believe that Design Technology equips pupils with the skills to solve problems creatively and practically. Our Design Technology curriculum is designed to develop pupils’ ability to design, make and evaluate purposeful products, preparing them for everyday life and future learning.

We follow the Kapow Primary Design Technology mixed-age curriculum, which provides a structured and progressive approach aligned with the National Curriculum. The mixed-age curriculum is organised into Cycle A and Cycle B, ensuring full coverage while avoiding repetition and allowing pupils to build knowledge and skills systematically as they progress through the school.

Design Technology learning follows a clear design process that includes researching, designing, making and evaluating. Pupils develop practical skills and technical knowledge across a range of areas, including structures, mechanisms, textiles and food technology. They learn to use tools and equipment safely and accurately, while developing resilience, problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt and improve their work.

In the Early Years Foundation Stage, children explore design and making through play, construction and simple problem-solving activities. In Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils build on these foundations by working with increasing independence, precision and confidence, applying their knowledge to real-life contexts and challenges.

Teachers are supported by high-quality planning and teaching resources provided through Kapow Primary, ensuring consistency of delivery across mixed-age classes and supporting strong subject knowledge. Key vocabulary and processes are explicitly taught and revisited. Pupil progress is monitored through observation, discussion and practical outcomes, which inform future teaching and ensure all pupils achieve well.

As a result of our Design Technology curriculum, pupils leave Cavendish with the skills and confidence to design and make functional products, evaluate their work thoughtfully, and apply creative and technical knowledge to practical challenges.