A roadmap for mixed-age D&T skills and knowledge

This printable PDF document outlines the progression of D&T skills and knowledge over a two-year cycle from Year 1/2 to Year 5/6, showing how it aligns with the National curriculum.

Designed for primary teachers seeking an engaging mixed-age D&T scheme of work, this progression document supports the delivery of a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum. 

How can I use this document to plan my mixed-age D&T curriculum?

Kapow Primary’s mixed-age D&T scheme follows a structured spiral curriculum. This document is designed to support subject leaders and teachers by outlining the progression of skills across mixed-age groups in KS1 and KS2 and by indicating which lessons support that progression.

Use it during your planning process to ensure that learning builds year on year, with clear guidance on which lessons to focus on at each stage.

How do D&T skills and knowledge develop at Kapow Primary?

The document outlines the development of D&T skills and knowledge across mixed-age groups, ensuring a clear pathway for pupil learning. Progression is broken down into the following 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 other resources support mixed-age D&T teaching?

• For the mixed-age D&T scheme, see the corresponding D&T: Long-term plan – mixed-age version.
• 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.
• See how children begin their Kapow design journey with our EYFS (Reception) D&T units. 
• For further information on the Y1/2, Y3/4 and Y5/6 Cycle A and Cycle B units, see Mixed-age units.