National curriculum alignment for our D&T scheme

This resource demonstrates how Kapow Primary’s Design and technology scheme of work covers the statutory guidance from EYFS (Reception) through to KS1 and KS2.

How does this document support curriculum planning? 

The document maps each unit of the scheme to the specific content and aims of the Design and technology National curriculum. This ensures that every lesson contributes to the spiral progression of skills and knowledge, leading to the attainment of end-of-key-stage targets.

For EYFS, it details alignment with Early Learning Goals and Development Matters statements, providing transition and EYFS Design and technology guidance.

What core D&T skills and knowledge are covered? 

Kapow Primary’s Design and technology scheme of work is built around the following six key areas:

• Cooking and nutrition: discovering where food comes from; creating a balanced diet; following kitchen hygiene and safety; developing preparation and cooking skills; following a recipe. 
• Mechanisms: using cams, followers, levers and sliders to mimic natural movements.
• Structures: learning about the properties of materials; improving a structure’s strength and stability; reinforcing structures.
• Textiles: using fabric techniques to fasten, sew and decorate.
• Electrical systems: creating electrical products using series circuits, circuit components, circuit diagrams and symbols.
• Digital world: programming products to perform tasks; developing 2D and 3D designs and models using CAD software.

What are the benefits of this curriculum mapping for teachers? 

This National curriculum mapping document clearly shows which key skills are developed in each unit across the year groups. It ensures a broad and balanced DT curriculum, giving children varied experiences with fundamentals.

Supported by this document, teachers will find clear pathways for DT assessment, ensuring consistent tracking of pupil progress. 

What other Kapow Primary resources support primary D&T teaching? 

• For our standard D&T scheme, see D&T: Long-term plan.
• If you follow our Long-term plan – condensed, see the corresponding Progression of skills and knowledge – condensed.
• If you subscribe to both subjects and follow our alternating Art and D&T long-term plan, see the corresponding Art and D&T: Progression of skills and knowledge.
• If you follow our Long-term plan – mixed-age, see the corresponding Progression of skills and knowledge – mixed-age version.
• See how children begin their Kapow creative journey with our EYFS (Reception) D&T units. 
• To learn how children develop skills, see our D&T KS1 units.
• Explore more of Kapow’s D&T scheme by browsing our Lower KS2, Upper KS2  and Mixed-age units.