Subject Vision Statement

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

Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc.

“Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Design is knowing which ones to keep.” 

Scott Adams, Comic Strip Creator

“I really believe in the idea of the future.”

Zaha Hadid, Architect

At St Ignatius Catholic Primary School, our Design & Technology curriculum encourages children to become problem-solvers, innovators and critical thinkers. D&T provides practical opportunities for pupils to design with purpose, make with precision and evaluate with honesty.

We want children to see themselves as capable designers who can improve the world around them through creative ideas and thoughtful solutions.

Our Curriculum

We use the Kapow Primary Design & Technology scheme, which delivers a structured, progressive and engaging D&T curriculum.

Kapow enables pupils to learn through the full design cycle:

1. Design – generating ideas with research, annotation and planning

2. Make – using tools and materials safely and accurately

3. Evaluate – reflecting on the effectiveness of their product

4. Technical Knowledge – understanding mechanisms, materials, structures and nutrition

Kapow provides:

• Clear skills progression across year groups

• Practical, hands-on lessons with real-life purpose

• Video guidance and modelling from D&T specialists

• Cross-curricular links including Science, Maths and Computing

• A broad range of units including mechanisms, textiles, structures, electrical systems and cooking & nutrition

How Kapow Supports Inclusion

Kapow ensures all children can access D&T by offering:

• Visual demonstrations for every practical skill

• Step-by-step scaffolding and tool-safety modelling

• Multiple pathways to success, allowing pupils to work at their own level

• Structured vocabulary and sentence stems

• Adaptive tasks that support SEND learners while still challenging them

Every child is empowered to design, build and evaluate with confidence.

What Our Pupils Experience

Throughout our D&T curriculum, children will:

• Use tools and materials safely and accurately

• Understand how products work in the real world

• Develop resilience through testing and improving their designs

• Learn about structures, mechanisms, electrical systems and food preparation

• Create purposeful, functional products for specific users

• Build cooking skills and understand nutrition in line with national requirements

Design & Technology at St Ignatius gives children the practical skills, confidence and creativity to bring ideas to life.

Get Inspired:

You can find lots of inspirational ideas on the STEM website, including a PowerPoint and booklets, at STEM Learning.

Useful Links:

• https://www.theschoolrun.com/best-design-and-technology-home-schooling-resources

• https://www.funkidslive.com/learn/design-technology/
• https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/this-terms-topics
• https://www.readbrightly.com/stem-books-for-kids/