Design and Technology (D&T) is a vital part of the National Curriculum, contributing to creativity, culture, wealth, and well-being. It gives pupils opportunities to use their imagination and design products that solve real problems in meaningful contexts. Through hands-on experiences, pupils learn to think creatively and practically.

Effective D&T teaching encourages pupils to take risks and apply knowledge from subjects like maths, science, art, and computing. They explore past and present inventions, understanding their impact. Pupils develop the skills to design and make high-quality products for various users and purposes in a technological world.

Pupils learn to evaluate their own and others’ work, test ideas, and adapt when needed. They also gain basic cooking skills and understand nutrition. Most importantly, D&T helps pupils become resourceful, innovative, and capable citizens, ready to thrive in modern society and contribute positively to the world around them

At St Barnabas and St Paul’s, we aim to provide an inspiring D&T education that nurtures creativity and practical skills. Pupils are encouraged to think independently, take risks, and persevere when things don’t go as planned. From Reception onwards, children learn technical skills to design and make a variety of products. They also explore food safety and nutrition, making a dish each year. Enthusiastic teachers deliver high-quality lessons, modelling design processes and encouraging pupils to evaluate and refine their work. Pupils research inventors and designers, helping them develop analytical skills and ownership of their unique creations.

Through D&T, we aim to empower children to become innovative, resourceful, and creative members of society. Pupils create design criteria based on user needs and purpose, building confidence and independence. Our curriculum ensures every child feels valued and capable of contributing meaningfully to the world around them, while developing essential life skills through engaging, purposeful learning experiences.

We teach D&T using Kapow units, chosen for their focus on creativity, innovation, and the full design cycle ideation, creation, and evaluation. Pupils gain confidence by drafting, modelling, and testing ideas and learn to reflect on their own and others’ work. The scheme builds awareness of design’s impact on daily life and encourages pupils to become enterprising, resourceful citizens with the skills to shape future innovations.

Our D&T curriculum meets National Curriculum end-of-key-stage targets. In Reception, Kapow units support Development Matters statements and Early Learning Goals, ensuring progression from early years through to Key Stage 2. The scheme aligns with national aims and provides a consistent, high-quality learning experience for all pupils.

“Design is intelligence made visible.” — Alina Wheeler