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

Design & Technology at Captains Close Primary School

Belonging · Ambition · Equity

Design & Technology (DT) enables pupils to become creative problem-solvers who can design, make and evaluate products that improve everyday life. Our curriculum encourages imagination, resilience and practical skill, helping children understand the impact of design on society, culture and the environment.

Our approach is shaped by the Discovery Trust DNA and grounded in evidence informed practice.

Curriculum Intent

Our intent for Design & Technology is to ensure all pupils:

• Develop creativity, innovation and practical capability.
• Understand the design process from planning to evaluation.
• Use tools, materials and components safely and effectively.
• Apply knowledge from maths, science, computing and art.
• Understand how design impacts people, communities and the environment.
• Experience equity through adaptive teaching.

Curriculum Implementation

We deliver our DT curriculum through:

The Design Process

• Research
• Planning
• Designing
• Making
• Evaluating

Technical Knowledge

• Mechanisms
• Structures
• Textiles
• Electrical systems.
• Cooking and nutrition.

Practical Skills

• Measuring
• Cutting
• Joining
• Assembling
• Testing

Progression

• Long-term map.
• Skills progression.
• Techniques progression.
• Vocabulary progression.

Assessment

• Design plans.
• Finished products.
• Pupil voice.
• Work scrutiny.

Curriculum Impact

We measure impact through:

• Quality of finished products.
• Understanding of the design process.
• Use of technical vocabulary.
• Pupil voice.
• Assessment information.

Pupils can:

• Explain their design choices.
• Use tools safely and confidently.
• Apply technical knowledge.
• Evaluate and improve their work.

Protected Characteristics in Design & Technology

We ensure pupils learn about and respect protected characteristics through:

• Studying designers and engineers from diverse backgrounds.
• Exploring how design meets the needs of different groups.
• Challenging stereotypes about gender and engineering.
• Ensuring SEND pupils access all practical activities.
• Designing products that consider accessibility and inclusion.

Examples include:

• Inclusive product design.
• Adaptive tools and technologies.
• Designers such as Elijah McCoy (race), Patricia Moore (disability design), and Zaha Hadid (gender, culture).

British Values in Design & Technology

British Values are woven through DT lessons:

• Democracy: Collaborative decision-making in design teams.
• Rule of Law: Following safety rules and workshop procedures.
• Individual Liberty: Encouraging creative freedom and innovation.
• Mutual Respect: Valuing different design ideas.
• Tolerance: Exploring global design traditions and solutions.

Long-Term Curriculum Map

A full long-term map for Design & Technology can be found here.

Progression Documents

Our progression documents show how knowledge and skills build from EYFS to Year 6:

• Mechanisms progression.
• Structures progression.
• Textiles progression.
• Electrical systems progression.
• Cooking and nutrition progression.
• Vocabulary progression.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary is taught explicitly and revisited regularly.

We focus on:

• Tier 2: descriptive and functional vocabulary.
• Tier 3: technical terminology.

SEND & Equity

All pupils access the full DT curriculum through:

• Adaptive teaching.
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• Visual supports.
• Regulation strategies.
• Personalised resources.

Enrichment & Wider Opportunities

DT enrichment includes:

• STEM challenges.
• Engineering workshops.
• Cooking projects.
• Community design tasks.
• Links with local businesses.

How to Find Out More

Parents and carers can request further information about our Design & Technology curriculum by contacting the school office.