New Oak design and technology curriculum supports confident teaching from primary to secondary

Published 18th December 2025

Oak National Academy has launched a free, adaptable design and technology curriculum in collaboration with subject experts at the Design & Technology Association. Designed to save teachers planning time, the resources offer ready-made lessons that can be tailored to pupils, classrooms and local priorities.

The curriculum combines practical guidance, real-world problem-solving and inclusive content, helping pupils become capable, confident designers while giving teachers flexibility to shape learning for their classrooms.

Secondary design and technology

Secondary teachers can benefit from:

• Clear progression: Sequenced lessons aligned across threads such as materials, systems, sustainability and user-centred design.
• Practical problem-solving: Adaptable units support creativity, resilience and iterative design decisions.
• Digital tools and visual support: GIFs and illustrations make modelling, function and process clear for teachers and pupils.
• Critical thinking: Lessons explore the social, moral and environmental impact of design and technology.

This ensures pupils build practical, reflective and confident design skills while teachers have an adaptable foundation to reduce workload and enhance creativity.

Primary design and technology

For primary teachers, the curriculum builds on the trusted Projects on a Page framework, the essential, teacher-centred foundation for D&T teaching. Created by specialist teachers, Projects on a Page offers practical planners, step-by-step guidance and creative ideas.

Oak’s lessons complement Projects on a Page by showing what is possible in the classroom, giving teachers examples to bring lessons to life while retaining flexibility to adapt learning for their pupils. Together, they provide a complementary, long-term approach that supports confident, high-quality teaching.

Supporting teachers and pupils

Teachers benefit from:

• Reduced planning time and flexible lesson examples.
• Professional guidance and creative freedom.
• Support to deliver inclusive, real-world learning experiences.

Pupils benefit from:

• Knowledge that sticks through sequenced learning.
• Hands-on and digital making opportunities.
• Critical thinking and practical skills development.

Explore Oak resources

Teachers can access the full Oak National Academy design and technology curriculum here.