Design & Technology at St. Anne’s Catholic Primary School
Design & Technology Lead: Mrs Taneja

Intent

At St. Anne’s, we believe Design and Technology (D&T) is where creativity meets curiosity. Our curriculum inspires children to think independently, work collaboratively, and develop the skills to design and make purposeful products that solve real-world problems.

Through hands-on experiences, pupils learn to combine practical skills with imagination, exploring how things work and how they can be improved. We aim to nurture resilient, resourceful, and reflective learners who are not afraid to take creative risks.

Our D&T curriculum, inspired by the Kapow Primary approach, encourages children to:

• Develop technical knowledge and practical skills across a range of materials and processes.
• Understand the importance of design in everyday life and its impact on the wider world.
• Learn from past and present designers, engineers, chefs, and innovators.
• Build confidence in problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking.

Ultimately, we want every child to leave St. Anne’s with the curiosity and capability to design, create, and innovate for a better future.

Implementation

Our Design and Technology curriculum is carefully structured to ensure progression, creativity, and enjoyment from Early Years through to Year 6.

We follow a clear sequence of learning that builds on prior knowledge and develops key skills in designing, making, evaluating, and applying technical knowledge. Each project is purposeful, engaging, and linked to real-life contexts.

At St. Anne’s, D&T is implemented through:

• A progressive, whole-school curriculum that covers textiles, mechanisms, structures, food technology, and electrical systems.
• Hands-on projects that encourage children to explore, experiment, and refine their ideas.
• Cross-curricular links with subjects such as Science, Maths, and Art to deepen understanding and relevance.
• Teacher autonomy and creativity, allowing staff to adapt projects to suit the interests and needs of their pupils.
• Health and safety awareness, supported by our St. Anne’s Health and Safety Passport, ensures children work safely and responsibly.
• Inspiration from real-world designers and makers, helping pupils appreciate the role of design in shaping our world.

Each unit encourages pupils to design, make, and evaluate, while introducing them to influential designers and innovators, fostering appreciation for human creativity and achievement.

Impact

By the time children leave St. Anne’s, they will have developed the confidence, creativity, and technical understanding to tackle challenges both in and beyond the classroom.

Our pupils will:

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the design process — from concept to creation.
• Apply their technical knowledge to make functional, appealing products.
• Evaluate and improve their work with increasing independence and reflection.
• Appreciate the importance of design and technology in everyday life and future careers.

Through our engaging and progressive curriculum, children become innovative thinkers, capable problem-solvers, and confident creators — ready to thrive in an ever-changing, technological world.

Pupils develop a sense of pride in their creations and an understanding of how design and technology shape the world around them.

D&T: Progression of skills and knowledge - This document gives an overview of the skills and knowledge covered in each phase and strand of the DT curriculum.

Useful Links:

Design and technology curriculum information
https://www.kapowprimary.com/subjects/design-technology/curriculum/curriculum-information/#