'I used junk modelling and made a monster and a superhero with a cape!'Reception
Pupil Voice
Intent
At St Alban & St Stephen Catholic Primary School, we value the development of the whole child. Our pupils are not just learners; they are explorers, investigators, creators and future leaders of our community and the wider world. Through Design and Technology, we inspire children to see themselves as the manufacturers, innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. We ignite their curiosity about how products are designed, developed, constructed and evaluated, both in the classroom and in the wider world. Pupils are encouraged to think and work like designers: researching thoroughly, identifying genuine needs, weighing evidence, developing ideas and evaluating solutions. Our carefully structured DT curriculum goes beyond National Curriculum expectations, building cultural capital and nurturing life skills such as creativity, resilience, innovation and entrepreneurship, so that every child is prepared with confidence and purpose for their future.
Implementation
At St Alban & St Stephen Catholic Primary School, our Design and Technology curriculum, supported by the Kapow Primary scheme, encourages pupils to become curious, creative and reflective thinkers. We inspire children to think like designers and engineers — identifying problems, generating ideas, creating purposeful products and evaluating their work with care and integrity.
All Design and Technology learning begins by revisiting prior knowledge and making meaningful connections, helping children to build securely on what they already know. Teachers explicitly model subject-specific vocabulary, skills and knowledge, using images, examples and practical demonstrations to deepen understanding. Key vocabulary and model outcomes are displayed to support learning and encourage high expectations.
Through our curriculum, pupils develop an understanding of how design and technology shape the world around them and how they can use their talents responsibly. Through engaging experiences in and beyond the classroom, they design, create and reflect, building confidence, creativity and lasting understanding. Our Design Technology curriculum is fully aligned with the National Curriculum and is designed to ensure all pupils develop the knowledge, skills, and understanding outlined within it.Design Technology National Curriculum: Key Stages 1 & 2Design Technology Curriculum Overview
Impact
Our pupils demonstrate their learning in Design and Technology through a range of meaningful outcomes, including written reflections, annotated diagrams, practical products and creative responses. Lessons are rich in discussion, questioning and opportunities for verbal explanation, enabling teachers to gain a deeper understanding of each child’s thinking and progress beyond what is recorded on paper.
Assessment is ongoing and carefully tracked over time. Teachers record attainment against key learning objectives, allowing them to monitor development, celebrate achievement and quickly identify where additional support or challenge may be needed. This ensures that every pupil is guided thoughtfully along their learning journey, growing in confidence, skill and understanding.
Formed in 2016, as part of the Diocese of Westminster's Academy Strategy, we provide a collaborative
structure of school support and innovation for Catholic schools in South West Hertfordshire. Our vision
of an 'Outstanding Education for All' comes from this desire to enable all members of school communities
to flourish and succeed and to do all that we can to make our schools places where ambition for all is
at the heart of everything that we do.
