Design Technology is fully embedded in Highburton C.E First Academy and our aspiration is that every child adopts a lifelong love and creativity in Design Technology. Our curriculum equips pupils with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of design, meeting briefs and experimenting and evaluating finished products. As pupils progress, they are able to think critically and develop a more rigorous understanding of Design Technology.
The children should also know how Design and Technology both reflect and shape our history, and contribute to the culture, creativity and wealth of our nation. Pupils capture their individual ideas and the processes of their learning within their books, which travels with them throughout their school career. There book allows the children to develop and snapshot every step of their explorative learning, encapsulating their individual ideas, testing different mediums, planning, designing and developments for large scale pieces, analytical thought, new skills processes and the progression from each unit and between each year group.
Intent, Implementation and Impact
Intent
At our school, we aim to inspire pupils to be creative, resourceful, and practical thinkers through a high-quality Design and Technology curriculum. Using the Kapow DT scheme, we ensure that children develop the skills and knowledge to design, make, and evaluate purposeful products. Our intent is to nurture curiosity, problem-solving, and resilience, while fostering an understanding of real-world contexts and the role of design in daily life.
Implementation
We follow the Kapow Primary DT scheme, which is structured around five key areas:
Structures, Mechanisms, Textiles, Food, and Electrical Systems
(KS2). Lessons are taught in a clear sequence, building on prior knowledge and progressing skills across year groups. Each unit includes hands-on activities, focused tasks, and design-make-evaluate projects. Lessons also incorporate cross-curricular links, vocabulary development, and opportunities for creativity and collaboration. Teachers are supported with clear planning, subject knowledge videos, and CPD from Kapow.
Impact
By following the Kapow scheme, pupils leave each key stage with a solid foundation in DT principles. They demonstrate confidence in using tools and materials, can clearly explain their design choices, and show pride in the products they create. Through regular assessment and evaluation, we monitor pupils’ progress and adapt teaching to support all learners. As a result, children are well-prepared for future learning and inspired to see themselves as designers, engineers, and makers of the future.
Fairground Wheels
Designing and creating a functional fairground wheel so that the wheel rotates and the structure stands freely.
Mechanisms – Making a Moving Monster!
The children learn what a pivot, lever and linkage do and create a Moving Toy following what they would like their monster to do.
Apple Harvest
Year 3 harvested apples from the Forest School and then made a healthy apple crumble.
Mechanisms- Mechanical Cars
