This key vocabulary display lists the keywords from all the units in the Design and technology scheme of work.
Key vocabulary consists of words the pupils are expected to retain and reuse in future units. Understanding these words enhances comprehension of the subject and supports progression in technical knowledge, design thinking and making skills. Consider displaying relevant keywords from previous terms or topics to reinforce learning.
Each unit also includes a Unit vocabulary display featuring essential and unit-specific keywords that support lesson delivery and classroom displays.
Design and technology scheme of work
A reference document providing a clear progression of key vocabulary across the original Kapow Primary Art and Design scheme (now archived).
This resource outlines the essential subject-specific terms introduced from Year 1 to Year 6, helping teachers build learners’ art literacy over time. It supports vocabulary-rich teaching by offering age-appropriate terms aligned with each unit, from simple descriptive language in lower years to more technical and conceptual terms in upper KS2. This progression encourages consistent use of artistic language and supports pupils’ ability to talk about their work confidently and accurately.
Kapow Primary Art and Design original scheme (archived).
An overview for Kapow Primary’s RSE & PSHE scheme of work from Years 1-6. Content is divided into the following areas:
- Family and relationships
- Health and wellbeing
- Safety and the changing body
- Citizenship
- Economic wellbeing
- Identity
- Transition
Explore more of our RSE & PSHE scheme:
A Knowledge organiser that captures the essential knowledge and skills learnt throughout the now archived unit Art and Design, Year 5, Design for a Purpose.
This Art and design resource is designed to support the pupils as they explore how design is used to serve a function and communicate ideas. It introduces key vocabulary such as design brief, client, font, logo, and prototype, helping the pupils understand how products are created with a specific purpose in mind. The pupils will also learn about concepts like unique selling points (USP), advertising, and branding, including how logos and slogans are used to appeal to potential audiences.
A Knowledge organiser that captures the essential knowledge and skills learnt throughout the now archived unit Art and Design, Year 5, Every Picture Tells a Story.
This Art and design resource is designed to support the pupils as they explore how visual symbols, abstract art, and storytelling are used in artistic expression. It introduces key vocabulary such as abstract art, murals, pictograms, street art, and visual symbols, helping the pupils understand how artists use imagery to convey ideas and emotions. The pupils will also learn about concepts like symmetry, speech bubbles, and the use of emojis in modern visual communication.
A Knowledge organiser that captures the essential knowledge and skills learnt throughout the now unit Archived – Art and Design, Year 5, Art and Design Skills.
This resource is designed to support pupils in developing various artistic techniques and approaches. It introduces key vocabulary such as analytical observational drawing, annotation, continuous line drawing, collage, and exploded diagrams, helping the pupils understand different methods of creating and presenting artwork. The pupils will also explore the concepts of invention and prototypes and how computer-aided design (CAD) can be used in artistic processes.
A Knowledge organiser that captures the essential knowledge and skills learnt throughout the now archived unit Archived – Art and Design, Year 5, Formal Elements of Art: Architecture.
This resource is designed to support the pupils as they explore key architecture and design elements. It introduces key vocabulary such as amphitheatre, ornate, composition, pattern, and symbolism, helping the pupils understand architectural styles and features. The pupils will also learn about architects as designers of buildings and explore terms like stadium, temple, and plaque, which relate to different types of structures.
A Knowledge organiser that captures the essential knowledge and skills learnt throughout the unit Design and Technology, Year 5, Structures: Bridges.
This resource is designed to support the pupils as they explore the design and construction of different types of bridges. It introduces key vocabulary such as arch, suspension bridge, tension, compression, and reinforcement, helping pupils develop an understanding of structural engineering principles. Pupils will also learn about forces that affect structures, such as push, pull, and gravity, and how different designs distribute weight effectively. It is perfect for consolidating essential knowledge and fostering creativity by allowing pupils to design and build their own bridge models.
A Knowledge organiser that captures the essential knowledge and skills learnt throughout the unit Archived – Design and technology, Year 5, Cooking and nutrition: What could be healthier?
This resource is designed to support pupils as they explore how to make healthier food choices through understanding the full journey from farm to fork. It outlines key stages of food production, including farming, processing, packaging, transport, and consumption, alongside important concepts such as cross-contamination, ethical animal welfare and nutritional balance. Featuring vocabulary definitions and guidance based on the NHS Eatwell Guide, it equips pupils with essential knowledge to make informed, safe and ethical food choices in both design and real-life contexts.
