“Artistic talent is a gift from God and whoever discovers it in himself has a certain obligation: to know that he cannot waste this talent, but must develop it.
                                                                                                                                                                    Pope John Paul II

"He has filled them with skill to do all kinds of work as engravers, designers, embroiderers in blue, purple and scarlet yarn and fine linen, and weavers - all of them skilled workers and designers"

                                                                                                                         Exodus 35:35

At St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, we believe that Design Technology is a vital part of a well-rounded education. It encourages children to become innovative thinkers and problem-solvers, equipping them with the practical skills and creative confidence to design and make products that meet real-world needs. Design Technology nurtures curiosity and resilience as pupils explore materials, tools, and processes while learning how to evaluate and refine their ideas. It connects learning to everyday life, helping children understand how design and innovation shape the world around them.

Through our engaging curriculum, pupils develop key skills in teamwork, communication, and critical thinking as they design, create, and evaluate projects. By embedding cross-curricular links with subjects such as Science, Mathematics, and Art, Design Technology enhances pupils’ understanding of how ideas come to life and empowers them to tackle challenges with imagination and practicality.

At St Mary’s, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of creative problem-solvers, ensuring they leave our school with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to contribute to a dynamic and ever-evolving world.

Statement of Intent

We view Design Technology as an essential subject that empowers our pupils to become critical thinkers, creative problem-solvers, and resourceful individuals. Through the Kapow Design Technology scheme, we provide a rich and engaging curriculum that inspires children to design, create, and evaluate products that solve real-world problems in a variety of contexts.

Our curriculum aims to:

• Foster Creativity and Innovation: Encourage pupils to think imaginatively and explore their ideas in practical ways.
• Develop Practical Skills: Build competence in using tools, materials, and techniques safely and effectively.
• Encourage Critical Thinking: Teach children how to evaluate their work and the work of others, refining their designs to achieve the best possible outcomes.
• Promote Cross-Curricular Learning: Link Design Technology to subjects such as mathematics, science, computing, and art, enhancing children’s understanding of how ideas are realized and applied in the real world.
• Inspire Future Innovators: Instil a sense of curiosity and ambition, helping children see how design and technology shape the past, present, and future.

Teachers ensure progression by providing carefully planned units that cover key areas such as mechanisms, structures, textiles, food technology, and digital systems. Lessons emphasize hands-on learning, collaboration, and reflection, enabling pupils to take pride in their achievements and grow in confidence.

Implementation

At St Mary’s, Design Technology is brought to life through hands-on, creative learning that inspires our pupils to think critically and problem-solve. Using the Kapow scheme, we’ve carefully designed a curriculum that helps children develop their skills step by step, while encouraging them to explore their own ideas and take pride in their work.

We make Design Technology exciting and accessible for all by:

• Encouraging Hands-On Exploration: Children design, make, and evaluate their own products, tackling real-world challenges with creativity and imagination. Whether it’s building structures, sewing textiles, or exploring food technology, every project is an opportunity to learn by doing.
• Building Skills and Confidence: From using tools safely to experimenting with materials and techniques, we help children grow in confidence as they develop practical skills they’ll use for life.
• Connecting Across Subjects: Our projects link to learning in other areas like maths, science, and art, helping children see how ideas work together in the real world.
• Reflecting and Improving: We encourage children to think about what worked well and what could be better, fostering resilience and a growth mindset.

Teachers use engaging lessons to ensure that learning is fun, creative, and carefully structured. The projects are designed to suit all abilities, so every child can experience success and feel proud of what they achieve.

Design Technology at St Mary’s is more than just making things—it’s about helping our children develop the creativity, independence, and problem-solving skills they’ll need for the future. Each project is a chance for them to explore, experiment, and discover what they can achieve with their own two hands.

Impact

The impact of our Design Technology curriculum is evident in the creativity, confidence, and skills that our pupils develop. By engaging with practical, real-world challenges, children leave us equipped with the knowledge, resilience, and problem-solving abilities they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Our children take pride in their creations, demonstrating their ability to design, make, and evaluate products that are both functional and imaginative. They develop an understanding of the importance of innovation and how it shapes our lives, gaining insights into careers in engineering, architecture, design, and beyond.

The curriculum also nurtures essential life skills, such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance, while fostering a growth mind-set. Children learn to embrace challenges, adapt to new ideas, and reflect on their progress, preparing them to tackle future opportunities with confidence.

By the end of their time at St Mary’s, our pupils have:

• A strong foundation in practical skills and technical knowledge and vocabulary.
• The ability to think critically and evaluate their work and the work of others.
• A sense of achievement and pride in their abilities to solve problems creatively.

Most importantly, our Design Technology curriculum inspires a love of designing and making, empowering children to see themselves as innovators who can make a difference in the world.