Design Technology
Subject leader - Mrs H.Richardson
Vision for Design Technology
At Kempshott Junior School, our Design and Technology curriculum is designed to be ambitious, relevant and inclusive, enabling all pupils to thrive as creative and practical learners. We aim for all children to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to design, make and evaluate purposeful products that solve real and meaningful problems.
Our curriculum is underpinned by the Kapow scheme of work, which we have carefully adapted to reflect the needs of our pupils and the context of our school. This ensures a coherent, well-sequenced approach where pupils build secure knowledge and understanding across key areas such as structures, mechanisms, textiles, cooking and nutrition. Through this, pupils develop a strong foundation of both substantive knowledge (materials, tools, techniques) and disciplinary understanding (designing, making, evaluating and refining).
Design and Technology is taught as a distinct subject, enabling pupils to develop subject-specific skills and think as designers and engineers. Pupils follow the iterative design process, learning to generate ideas, create prototypes, test their work and evaluate outcomes with increasing independence and precision. Over time, they develop resilience, problem-solving skills and a willingness to refine and improve their work.
Literacy and mathematics are meaningfully embedded throughout the curriculum. Pupils apply reading skills to understand design briefs and instructions, use subject-specific vocabulary to explain their thinking, and apply mathematical knowledge through measuring, calculating and evaluating.
Our curriculum reflects a ‘windows and mirrors’ approach, ensuring that pupils see themselves reflected in the products they design and the needs they explore, while also learning about innovations and technologies from a wide range of cultures and contexts.
We are committed to ensuring that all pupils access the full Design and Technology curriculum. Through adaptive teaching, including modelling, scaffolding and practical support, barriers are removed without lowering ambition. This ensures that every child can successfully design and create, regardless of starting point.
Through our Design and Technology curriculum, pupils develop creativity, technical knowledge and practical skills, alongside the confidence to take risks, solve problems and apply their learning in real-world contexts, preparing them for the next stage of their education and life beyond school.
Our Curriculum
The long-term curriculum overview shows the Design and Technology units children study in each year group. Our progression document explains how pupils build on their previous learning, developing their technical knowledge and understanding of structures, mechanisms, electrical systems, textiles and food, alongside their designing, making and evaluating skills, as they move through Key Stage 2.
What Children Learn
Select a year group to explore the units. Look out for our DT knowledge organisers new for 2027.
Year 3
Pneumatic Toys - In this unit we will learn how compressed air can create movement and be used in a working pneumatic toy.
Wearable Tech - In this unit we will develop our understanding of programmable products by designing, coding and promoting wearable technology for use in low-light conditions.
Eating Seasonally - In this unit we will investigate seasonal food in the UK and apply our understanding to create a seasonal food tart.
Year 4
Egyptian Collars - In this unit we will learn how to cross-stitch and appliqué to decorate and assemble Egyptian Collars, representing our unique personalities.
Pavilions - In this unit we will examine pavilion structures and learn how they are designed for strength, stability and purpose.
Torches - In this unit we will apply our understanding of electrical circuits through designing and making torches using recycled and reclaimed materials.
Year 5
Monitoring Devices - In this unit we will explore programmable technology and 3D design by creating a Micro:bit animal monitoring device that responds to temperature change.
Slingshot Car - In this unit we will explore mechanical systems by building and testing prototype cars to identify effective design features.
Developing a Recipe - In this unit we will go to Blue Coat School to learn how recipes can be adapted to improve nutritional value by modifying a traditional Bolognese sauce.
Year 6
Playgrounds - In this unit we will explore playground designs by creating a model that includes five pieces of apparatus made from three different structures.
Steady Hand Game - In this unit we will develop knowledge of electrical circuits by designing and creating a steady hand game with an operational buzzer system.
Stuffed Toys - In this unit we will develop our textile and sewing skills by designing and making a stuffed toy using fabric and decorative techniques.
